Represented in Brussels by the Regional Government Office of Cantabria and SODERCAN, the region’s development agency, Cantabria does more than just advocate for its economic and political interests: it also showcases its culture and gastronomy through a variety of events. The next one? Taste Cantabria, a gourmet celebration that promises to awaken all the senses.

Cantabria, a land of fine gastronomy

Cantabria’s culinary vitality shines through its Michelin-starred establishments, true ambassadors of the region’s rich local specialties. From the prestigious Cenador de Amós in Villaverde de Pontones (three stars) to distinctive venues such as La Casona del Judío and El Serbal in Santander, La Solana in Ampuero, and La Bicicleta in Hoznayo, these restaurants highlight the finest fish and seafood from the coast as well as the meats and vegetables from the valleys. Blending tradition with innovation, Cantabria is firmly establishing itself as an unmissable destination for lovers of haute cuisine.

Picture: Chef Jesús Sánchez and his wife Marián Martínez, owners of the Cenador de Amós restaurant

Taste Cantabria: a culinary experience in Brussels

On Monday 29 September 2025, the Excellis building (105A rue Colonel Bourg, 1140 Evere) will host an exclusive gastronomic event organised by Excellis/Horeca Magazine, in partnership with Sodercan and the Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria, to present for the first time in Brussels the agri-food products of the region. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spanish chef Adrián Mancheño will orchestrate a live cooking show, transforming the region’s flagship products into tapas and refined dishes. At the same time, visitors will be able to chat with a dozen producers who have come especially to showcase their expertise.

A culinary journey through Cantabria in Brussels

The journey begins at the seaside, in Santoña and Castro Urdiales, where the tradition of conserve-industry remains alive and well. Hand-prepared anchovies, tuna belly and mussels are testament to centuries-old expertise, passed down from generation to generation. These seafood products, veritable salty treasures, have made the region internationally renowned.

Then head for the green valleys, where livestock farming and dairy production give rise to unique cheeses. The creamy and delicate Queso de Nata de Cantabria sits alongside the firmer and more fragrant Quesucos de Liébana, and the Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a powerful blue cheese matured in natural caves. These specialities embody the perfect marriage of unspoilt nature and artisanal expertise.

The journey continues with sweets and baked goods: artisan breads, cakes and fine pastries, not to mention delicacies that combine tradition and innovation. These creations offer a moment of comfort that perfectly complements a Cantabrian table.

Finally, it is impossible to leave the region without raising a glass. From the craft beers of Dougall’s, pioneers in Spain, to the premium spirits of the Siderit distillery – gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky – Cantabrian drinks reveal a bold creativity and international outlook. They are the perfect elegant accompaniment to the anchovies, cheeses and preserves tasted earlier.

Organisations working hard to promote Cantabria

If Cantabrian cuisine is now renowned far beyond its borders, it is thanks to regional institutions that ensure the quality and promotion of its products. The ODECA (Cantabrian Agri-Food Quality Office), attached to the regional government, plays a key role in supervising quality labels (PDO, PGI), supporting organic farming and promoting exceptional products under the ‘Sabe a Norte’ brand. The organisation also supports producers at major international events, raising the profile of Cantabrian specialities on the world stage.

For its part, SODERCAN plays a key role in supporting the international expansion of Cantabrian companies. A central part of its work is the organization of trade missions and promotional actions abroad, designed to help businesses explore new markets, establish partnerships, and increase their exports. In collaboration with the Cantabria Chamber of Commerce, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, it is promoting the Cantabria Internationalization Plan 2025–2028, which aims to consolidate the presence of Cantabrian companies in foreign markets. By combining economic support and cultural promotion, these structures make Cantabria a region that knows how to promote both its flavours and its expertise.

An invitation to savour Cantabria

With its coastal and mountainous landscapes, rich culinary heritage and desire to share its identity, Cantabria confirms its place among Spain’s most gourmet regions. Taste Cantabria will be a unique opportunity to discover all its flavours in the heart of Brussels.

See you on 29 September at Excellis for a Cantabrian culinary spectacle!

List of exhibitors: an overview of Cantabrian expertise

• Aceites Alía: premium extra virgin olive oil.
• Anchoas de Santoña: anchovies and seafood products made using traditional methods.
• Cantabria Quesera: an association of iconic PDO cheese makers.
• Dougall’s – Cervezas Artesanales: pioneers of Spanish craft beer.
• Conservas El Capricho: high-end seafood preserves with an authentic taste.
• Conservera Castreña: preserves and salted fish from sustainable fishing.
• Delicatessen La Ermita: prestigious gourmet products.
• Destilería Siderit: gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky with a local touch.
• Horno San José: artisan breads and pastries.
• Olio Viridi: organic and premium olive oils.
• Quesería Javier Campo: PDO blue cheeses matured in natural caves.
• Santander Fine Food: consortium of premium food producers.

SODERCAN:

• 📧 Email : internacional@sodercan.es
• 🌐 Website : www.sodercan.es
• 📱 Social media: 

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In a city like Brussels – Europe’s political capital and a hub of international cultural projection – every event has the potential to amplify a region’s visibility well beyond its borders. Aware of this, the Office has promoted cultural initiatives with high symbolic value that strengthen Cantabria’s presence at the heart of Europe.

One of the most recent and noteworthy initiatives was the performance of the Coral Voces Cántabras, which traveled to Brussels as part of its centenary celebrations to offer a moving double concert. The Cantabrian ensemble first performed a selection of sacred music in the majestic Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, followed by a concert of traditional Cantabrian music at the renowned Musical Instruments Museum (MIM).

During this commemorative event, a rabel – a traditional string instrument – specially crafted for the occasion, was donated to the MIM, symbolizing the region’s rich musical folklore. The instrument now joins the museum’s collection of more than 8,000 instruments from across Europe and beyond, including others from Cantabria.

The Minister of Economy, Finance, Regional Funding and European Funds of the Government of Cantabria, Luis Ángel Agüeros, attended both concerts and emphasized the significance of the event: “This recital, held in celebration of the choir’s centenary, aims to showcase Cantabria’s musical traditions as part of Europe’s broader musical heritage, highlighting our regional folklore in a symbolic venue such as the Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses over 8,000 instruments from around the world—including some from Cantabria, like the rabel.”

This concert was supported by the ministry led by Agüeros through the Directorate-General for European Funds, as part of a strategy to promote Cantabria’s cultural heritage within the European context.

Founded in 1924 by musicologist and folklorist Matilde de la Torre Gutiérrez, the Voces Cántabras Choir gave its first performance that same year in Cabezón de la Sal, the town where it originated. Over the course of a century, it has maintained a broad repertoire encompassing sacred music, zarzuela, opera, spirituals, habaneras, and of course, traditional Cantabrian songs. It has received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal for Cultural Merit from the Cabezón de la Sal City Council, and has performed at international venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Over the years, the Cantabria Office in Brussels has supported a wide range of cultural events that highlight the region’s artistic diversity and deep-rooted traditions. In 2004, the Government of Cantabria and the Association of Campurrian Rabel Players organized a concert of traditional Cantabrian music at the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels, during which a handcrafted rabel campurriano was donated to the museum. 

Two years later, in 2006, the Peña Labra Choir performed at the Cantabria Office during the EU’s Regional Open Days, presenting a repertoire of choral pieces that reflected both classical influences and local folklore. In 2010, two further initiatives reinforced Cantabria’s cultural presence in the Belgian capital: the exhibition “Visions of the End of Times: Beatus of Liébana and the Beatus Manuscripts”, held at the Instituto Cervantes and accompanied by a concert of ancient music that evoked the spiritual atmosphere of the Middle Ages; and a vibrant performance at the MIM by the youth ensemble Retales Casi Sinfónicos, whose eclectic mix of Spanish guitars, strings, woodwinds, accordions, and lyrical voices showcased the creativity and energy of a new generation of Cantabrian musicians.

Another major milestone was Cantabria’s prominent participation in the 2019 Folklorissimo Festival, held at the iconic Grand Place in Brussels. Spain was the guest of honor that year, and Cantabria stood out with over 100 artists and groups showcasing the region’s cultural, musical, gastronomic, and tourist identity. The “Virgen de las Nieves de Tanos” group represented traditional Cantabrian music during the festival’s main event, while the “Cantabria Infinita” stand offered tastings of local products and promotional materials.

For Inma Valencia, the objective is clear: “Cantabria’s culture has found in Brussels a powerful stage from which to be heard. It’s not just about being present in the political or economic forums of the EU, but also about sharing our traditions, our music, and our roots with international audiences.”

In short, Cantabria’s external action in Brussels demonstrates how culture can serve as a strategic tool for regional diplomacy. Thanks to the ongoing work of its Office in the European capital, Cantabria continues to carve out its place at the cultural heart of Europe.

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Name: Inma Valencia
Nationality: Spanish 
Profession: Director of Cantabria’s Representation Office in Brussels 

Inma Valencia, Director of Cantabria’s Representation Office in Brussels, is a leading figure in the field of European relations. A law graduate from the University of Cantabria, she went on to specialise in European Affairs. Her solid academic background has given her an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of the European Union and public policy.

Following her studies, Inma began her career as a lawyer, first at a prestigious law society in Brussels and then working for the Consejo General de la Abogacía Española, the representation of Spanish lawyers to the EU. She quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her expertise and dedication. In 1998, she was appointed Director of the Cantabria office in Brussels, a strategic position that allows her to defend her region’s interests with the European institutions. 

Inma has also served as Director General of Economy and European Affairs in her region, overseeing the management of the ERDF Operational Programme 2007-2013, negotiating the 2014-2020 ERDF programme, acting as the Managing Authority for the SUDOE Territorial Cooperation Programme, and serving as a member of the Committee of the Regions where she was a ver y active member. She also managed the Presidency of the Atlantic Arc Committee for 4 years when Cantabria chaired this organisation. 

As Director of the Brussels Office, Inma plays a crucial lobbying and networking role. She works tirelessly to promote Cantabria’s projects and initiatives, facilitating access to European funding and international partnerships. Under her leadership, the Cantabria office has succeeded in building strong relationships with key players in the EU, bringing many economic and social benefits to the region.

A concrete example of this success is Cantabria’s participation in the CPMR (Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions) and other important EU regional networks. Thanks to Inma’s efforts, Cantabria has been able to fully integrate into these networks, leading to fruitful collaborations and funding for innovative projects in the region. This integration has strengthened Cantabria’s position as a leader in several sectors at European level.

Working in the European bubble of Brussels means that the region can benefit from a whole range of European funding, from regional policy (ERDF) to research and innovation, to name but a few. Inma Valencia: ‘In practical terms, the presence of the regional offices in Brussels offers them a whole range of opportunities. I can give you just a few examples of concrete achievements for my region. Firstly, access to European funding. Our presence in Brussels has made it easier to obtain European funding for various regional projects, enabling the development of infrastructure and local initiatives. What I can also highlight is the strengthening of partnerships. My role as a regional networker has enabled me to establish strategic partnerships with other European regions and institutions, which has led to joint projects and exchanges of good practice. The example I would take is the GALACTEA PLUS project, which is part of the Enterprise Europe Network and supports Cantabrian SMEs in their internationalisation’. 

Inma Valencia’s role is also one of monitoring, representing and defending the interests of her region. ‘This mission of representing and influencing European public policy is THE most important part of my job, because it’s been ongoing from morning to night for the past 25 years’, she tells us.

Based just a stone’s throw from the Schuman roundabout, the Cantabria office not only hosts working meetings, but is also a stopover for regional politicians, various administrative departments and delegations from Cantabria. All this work helps to raise Cantabria’s profile on the European stage, attracting investment and economic opportunities.

Inma Valencia is recognised not only for her professional skills, but also for her sociable and communicative nature. She is appreciated for her collaborative approach and her ability to inspire trust. Her leadership and experience make her an invaluable asset to Cantabria, ensuring that the region continues to prosper and develop on the European stage.

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