The Feria de Santo Tomás is held every year on 21st December, and it marks the start of Christmas. This festivity brings together thousands of people looking to try typical products from the area, such as talos (cornflour pancakes) with chorizo and cider.
If you visit Biscay at this time of year do not miss this festival. Not only can you taste local produce but also enjoy a very rural, local atmosphere.
It goes without saying that you have to try the talo with chorizo, but there are also other typical products in the fair that will make your mouth water, such as cheese, doughnuts, honey, fruit and vegetables in season.
Moreover, if you like animals and want to learn more about Biscay’s culture and traditions, the fair is also home to a number of exhibitions of farm animals and traditional music with bertsolaris (bards) and txalapartaris (the txalaparta is a Basque instrument with wood or stone ‘keys’ that resembles a xylophone).
The little ones will also enjoy the atmosphere, and the fair has lots of activities and games for them to enjoy.
The Fair of St Thomas dates back to the 19th century, an era in which most caseríos (Basque farmhouses) were rented, and the tenants cultivated the land and tended the livestock. This system was passed down from father to son and the tenants had to pay rent to the owners of the land at the end of the year. Payment of this rent was often delayed until the Day of St Thomas (21st December). On that day, the baserritarras went into town to pay the rent with the best produce from their vegetable gardens and the best animals, and they took advantage of the trip to sell these products to the townspeople too.
Over the years this custom and way of life has become a festive tradition.
Establishments nearby
Arenal, 5 (Junto al Metro Casco Viejo salida San Nicolás) (Bilbao)
Bars and cafés | Restaurants
0.10 km
Accommodation nearby
