1940. Right after that there was a notable decline in the 1940s and 1960s, followed by a phase of stability. The current trend is clear growth, but the number of cehegineros who emigrate to other countries is still high. In the district of Valentín (546 inhabitants) an important socio-economic change has taken place with the strong boom experienced by the semi-handicraft industry of clay pottery, destined mainly for export. Economy In the 1950s, still in postwar period, one of the most important activities of the town consisted in the cultivation and work of hemp to make handmade footwear, known as "alpargatas" in local slang. In agriculture, the olive, almond and vineyard have predominated in the dry land, and apricot and peach in irrigation; what allowed from the decade of the 1970s to consolidate a strong industrial fabric manufacturing canner. Some of the most important factories of the time were: Los Isidros, Los Hernández, La Verja or Cofrutos (the latter is still in full operation). This sector gave way in later years to the boom of the marble industry since the town had marble quarries (mainly red marble limestone). This made it possible to strategically place different treatment plants for the mineral, which has been an important engine of development for the local economy for years, although in recent years the economic crisis of 2007 has forced to reduce and drastically modify the templates of these plants. Cehegín also has a large area of mountains, with the Aleppo pine as the main tree. In the hamlet of Canara, right next to Cehegín, there has been a great increase in the cultivation of flowers under greenhouse, mainly carnation, gladiolus and chrysanthemum. Mercadillos (street markets) On the last Sunday of each month, the Plaza del Castillo hosts the El Mesoncico craft market , where more than fifty artisans from the area come together to offer their products, sausages, ceramics, sweets, soaps, wines, cheeses, etc. Also, the second-hand market and antiquities are held in the odd months, which takes place on the plains of the old Cehegín Train Station. Facilities Healthcare There is a consultorio (primary care centre with the fewest functions) in Campillo de Los Jímenez, another one in El Cañaral, another one in Cañada de Canara, and another one in Canara. Education The main town hosts 4 public early childhood and primary education centres (CEIP), two public secondary education centres (IES) and