A Tradition in Leather
Leon was originally famous for its tanneries. With the availability of high quality cattle hides, ready access to water, and close proximity to the US, Leon’s tanneries have been operating for centuries. The city’s reputation for leather was so well established that it became part of its identity - at football matches, Leon sports teams were nicknamed “panzaverde” or “green bellies” after the way early leathers would die a tanner’s skin. Fortunately, the industry has built on its traditions and come a long way toward modernizing. Leon is now home to some of the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable tanneries in the world, with leaders like Le Farc and Alfamex submitting their facilities to international audit and accreditation.