On December 21, Donostia-San Sebastián transforms into a vibrant rural market to celebrate the Santo Tomás Fair, highlighting the Santo Tomás Fair as the main keyword, a festival that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Basque Country. This celebration, deeply rooted in Basque culture, attracts thousands of people who immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere full of history, gastronomy and ancestral traditions. It is one of the most anticipated celebrations by the community, as it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Basque culture at its best. With its mix of rural and urban elements, the Santo Tomás Fair has become a fundamental part of the cultural identity of Donostia-San Sebastián. Every corner of the city is filled with life and color, with an atmosphere that reflects the importance of keeping alive the customs and traditions that form the essence of local culture.
Origin and History of the Santo Tomás Fair
The Santo Tomás Fair has its roots in the 19th century, when the baserritarras (Basque peasants) went to the city to pay annual rents to urban landowners. They took advantage of this visit to sell their agricultural products and stock up on merchandise that they could not find in their localities. Over time, this practice gave rise to a fair that became an annual tradition in the Constitution Square of San Sebastian.
Although the need for this market diminished with improved transportation and the availability of products in rural areas, the Santo Tomás Fair endured as a festive celebration that honored the city’s rural roots and strengthened the connection between the countryside and the city. city. This festival not only commemorates the past, but also represents an important meeting point for the community, in which ties between the inhabitants of the rural and urban environment are reinforced. Today, the celebration is an expression of cultural pride and an opportunity to remember the traditions that have shaped the region’s identity. The evolution of the fair has allowed it to adapt to new times, but always maintaining the spirit that characterizes it: a tribute to the rural world and its protagonists, the baserritarras.
Customs and Traditions of the Fair
Traditional Clothing at the Santo Tomás Fair
During the Santo Tomás Fair (celebrated on December 21), it is common for participants to wear traditional baserritarras costumes. Women usually wear long skirts, blouses and headscarves, while men wear linen pants, shirts and berets. This outfit pays homage to the region’s agricultural heritage and adds authenticity to the festive atmosphere. It is an opportunity for both young and old to connect with their roots and feel part of a community that values its history and traditions. The clothing also allows visitors to experience what rural life was like in the past, creating a unique atmosphere that makes the Santo Tomás Fair a truly special celebration. In addition, the transmission of values and knowledge about traditional clothing from generation to generation is encouraged, ensuring that this part of Basque culture continues to live on.
Typical Gastronomy
Gastronomy plays a central role in the fair, especially txistorra, a fresh sausage similar to chorizo, which is traditionally served with talo, a grilled corn cake. This delicacy is the undisputed protagonist of the celebration, and its aroma permeates the streets, inviting everyone to taste it. The txistorra con talo has become the gastronomic symbol of the Santo Tomás Fair, and it is almost impossible to resist trying it when walking through the lively streets of Donostia-San Sebastián.
In addition to the txistorra with talo, the stalls offer a variety of local products such as cheeses, honey, cider and crafts, reflecting the gastronomic and cultural richness of the Basque Country. Visitors can also taste other traditional dishes, such as typical sweets made with local ingredients and freshly made cider, which perfectly accompanies the fair’s specialties. Food is not only a delight for the palate, but also a way to connect with the land and the history of the region, since each product has a story to tell about Basque rural life. The presence of local producers allows us to learn more about the manufacturing process of these products, which enriches the visitors’ experience and strengthens the link between the countryside and the city.
Activities and Events
The Santo Tomás Fair in Donostia-San Sebastián is characterized by the installation of numerous stalls selling artisanal and food products, creating a vibrant market in the heart of the city. Activities include animal exhibitions, agricultural competitions, musical performances and traditional dances, which liven up the streets and squares. These events provide a perfect context for the community to celebrate its cultural identity, and allow visitors to learn more about the customs and traditions of the Basque Country. Workshops and games are also organized for children and adults, teaching traditional skills such as craft making, allowing participants to experience first-hand the richness of Basque culture.
A highlight of the fair is the exhibition of a sow in the Plaza de la Constitución. Each year, the animal receives a different name; for example, in recent editions it has been called “Xixili”. This tradition especially attracts children, who enjoy seeing the animal in its pen. The sow exhibit symbolizes the importance of agriculture and rural life, reminding everyone of the relevance of these elements in the history and economy of the region. In addition, agricultural competitions reward the best products from the countryside, such as the best cheeses or vegetables, highlighting the quality of Basque products and the work of the baserritarras. These contests are a way to recognize the efforts of farmers and ranchers, and to give visibility to their products, thus promoting local consumption.
Crowd and Festive Atmosphere
The Santo Tomás Fair in San Sebastián attracts a crowd of people, both locals and visitors, who fill the streets of San Sebastián to enjoy the festivity. The high concentration of public generates a festive and lively atmosphere, although in certain areas, such as the Plaza de la Constitución and its surroundings, the large influx can make movement difficult. However, this massive participation is testimony to the roots and popularity of the celebration.
The fair extends through various areas of the city, including the center and the Old Town, where numerous stalls are set up offering traditional and artisanal products. The festive atmosphere is complemented by live music, traditional dances and activities for all ages, creating a unique experience that reflects the cultural richness of the region. Visitors can also enjoy shows by bertsolaris, improvising poets who create verses on current topics, and performances by Basque dance groups, which fill the streets with joy and color. The participation of these artists contributes to creating a happy and festive atmosphere, where culture is lived and shared.
The massive participation in the Santo Tomás Fair not only demonstrates the deep roots of this tradition in Basque society, but also contributes to the economic dynamization of the city, attracting tourists and generating a positive impact on local commerce. The city’s merchants look forward to this day with enthusiasm, as it represents an important source of income thanks to the large number of visitors. In addition, the fair helps promote local products, which favors the economy of small producers and strengthens the local production chain. The city’s restaurants and bars also benefit, offering special menus and attracting those seeking an authentic dining experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the Santo Tomás Fair in San Sebastián in Donostia-San Sebastián is a celebration that combines history, tradition and modernity, reflecting the essence of Basque culture and strengthening the community identity of its inhabitants. The festival not only honors the city’s rural roots, but also promotes sustainability and the local economy, ensuring that future generations can continue enjoying this tradition that enriches the cultural heritage of San Sebastián.
The preservation of traditions such as the Santo Tomás Fair is essential to keep the history and culture of a region alive. This celebration not only offers a day of joy and celebration, but also strengthens community ties, reminding everyone of the importance of traditions and the value of local agriculture. By connecting new generations with the customs of the past, the Santo Tomás Fair contributes to the continuity of a rich cultural heritage that continues to evolve and adapt to modern times. Furthermore, its relevance is not limited to the cultural sphere, but also has a significant impact on the economy and the social cohesion of the community.
For those who wish to explore more about the traditions and festivities of Donostia-San Sebastián, it is recommended to visit the gastronomy and emblematic places section in Discover Donostia, where you will find detailed and updated information about the city and its customs. It is a perfect opportunity to get to know Basque culture up close and enjoy a unique experience in a city that is filled with life and color during the Santo Tomás Fair. The celebration is an example of the collective effort to preserve and transmit a culture rich in traditions, which in each edition manages to excite and unite all those who experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santo Tomás Fair
1. When is the Santo Tomás Fair celebrated?
The Santo Tomás Fair is celebrated on December 21. It is one of the most anticipated festivities in Donostia-San Sebastián, marking the beginning of the Christmas season in the Basque Country.
2. Where does the Santo Tomás Fair take place?
The fair takes place mainly in the Plaza de la Constitución, although it extends through several areas of the center and the Old Town of Donostia-San Sebastián. The entire city is filled with stalls, music and traditional activities.
3. What products can be found at the fair?
At the Santo Tomás Fair you can find a wide variety of local products, such as txistorra with talo, cheeses, honey, cider, crafts and other typical products of the Basque Country. The txistorra with talo is the star product, and its aroma fills the streets throughout the day.
4. What is the traditional clothing of the Santo Tomás Fair?
During the fair, many people wear traditional baserritarras costumes. Women wear long skirts, blouses and scarves, while men wear linen pants, shirts and berets. This clothing helps keep alive the connection with the rural history of the Basque Country.
5. What activities are carried out during the fair?
The fair offers a wide variety of activities, such as animal exhibitions, agricultural competitions, performances by bertsolaris and Basque dance groups, as well as workshops teaching traditional skills. There is also an exhibition of a sow, which is very popular with children.
6. What is the origin of the Santo Tomás Fair?
The Santo Tomás Fair has its origins in the 19th century, when the baserritarras went to the city to pay rents to the urban owners and took advantage of the opportunity to sell their products. Over time, this practice evolved into a large annual fair that is proudly celebrated today.
7. Is it advisable to visit the Santo Tomás Fair with children?
Yes, the fair is very suitable to visit with children. There are many activities designed for the little ones, such as the animal exhibition, and the atmosphere is very festive and family-friendly.
8. How does the Santo Tomás Fair contribute to the local economy?
The fair has a positive impact on the local economy, as it attracts thousands of visitors who buy local products and enjoy gastronomy in the city’s bars and restaurants. In addition, it helps promote local consumption and supports small producers in the Basque Country.
9. What importance does the Santo Tomás Fair have in Basque culture?
The Santo Tomás Fair is one of the most important celebrations for Basque culture. It reflects pride in rural roots, the connection between the countryside and the city, and promotes the traditions, gastronomy and cultural identity of the Basque Country. These types of fairs are held in many places in the Basque Country.
10. What should I bring if I plan to visit the fair?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as there are usually many people and you will walk a lot. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash to shop at the stalls, as not all of them accept cards.
