Silió: Vijanera, Monte Canales and Architecture

Silió offers travellers specific points of interest in culture, nature and architecture. When planning a stay, you can decide whether you are particularly interested in the Vijanera, the Maya, Monte Canales or the historic buildings. These themes give the town different profiles and can be considered separately when planning your trip.

The Vijanera and its characters

The Vijanera is a masquerade featuring around 60 male characters. Each character has distinctive clothing, a role and symbolism. When exploring this tradition, you can pay attention to the individual characters and their particular features, rather than focusing only on the number of masks. The Vijanera of Silió is recognised as an intangible ethnographic asset of cultural interest within the municipality of Molledo. The tradition is thus both a cultural practice associated with a specific place and recognised intangible heritage.

The Maya on 25 July

The Maya is celebrated in Silió on 25 July. For the occasion, two oak trunks are joined to form a single piece about 30 metres tall. The Maya is raised solely by human power, using wooden rollers, “Tijeras” and ladders. While the Vijanera is characterised by its characters, the Maya focuses on joining and raising the oak trunks. The details about its height and the equipment used make this a distinct point of interest for anyone interested in local traditions.

The Vijanera Interpretation Centre

The Vijanera Interpretation Centre in Silió is open to visitors all year round. Its exhibits include large-format photographs and information panels about performances, awards, similarities to other mask traditions and the history of the tradition. If you plan to visit the interpretation centre, check the opening hours in advance.

Forest and hiking route

The Senda del Monte Canales starts in Silió and passes through the dense oak and beech forest of Monte Canales, which is crossed by the Erecia River. The route through both types of forest gives you a clear sense of the landscape along the way.

The PR-S 42 Ruta del Monte Canales is an 18-kilometre circular route starting in Silió. It is rated as moderately difficult, with an approximate duration of five hours and 30 minutes and 650 metres of ascent. The distance, estimated time and elevation gain give you several useful points of reference for including the hike in your day’s plans. The route is still awaiting an inspection or revision. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Civil and religious architecture

Silió’s notable civil architecture includes Casa de Tagle, dating from the 17th century, and Casa y Torre de Obregón, dating from the 18th century. The dates place these two named buildings in chronological order: Casa de Tagle belongs to the 17th century, and Casa y Torre de Obregón to the following century.

The Romanesque church of San Facundo y San Primitivo is also among Silió’s named historic buildings. It has been designated a National Monument since 1896 and recognised as an asset of cultural interest since 23 April 1970. These two dates mark distinct designations and provide a timeline for its recognition.

Discover more destinations: Laredo, Potes, Argoños, Mazandrero, Piélagos, Entrambasaguas, Tezanos, San Vicente de la Barquera.

For the overview of the wider region: Cantabria.