Saint Thomas Fair in Donostia-San Sebastian

Do you want to experience an authentic, local festival on your next visit to San Sebastian? Make a note of this day in your diary: 21 December. The year doesn’t matter, but the date does.

Why? Because that’s the date of the Saint Thomas Fair, one of the most beloved and emblematic fairs in San Sebastian, as well as being one of the most authentic, along with San Sebastian Day, which takes place on 20 January.

What makes this fair so special and why, without being a public holiday in the calendar, does it seem that the city stops to celebrate this day?

You’ll find many answers if you ask the locals, but from Free Walking Tour San Sebastian we’ll tell you that it’s a mixture of: its own festival, a return to its origins and gastronomy.

It is a day when most of the people wear regional costumes, which gives the city a different colour, but when, in addition to the traditional market of products from our farmhouses, San Sebastian tastes like chistorra sausage and cider.

History and origin of the Saint Thomas Fair

To learn about the history of the Saint Thomas Fair, we have to go back to the 19th century, when the farmers (“baserritarrak” in Basque) from the outskirts of San Sebastian came to the city to sell the produce grown or produced in their farms before Christmas.

And they did so dressed in traditional Basque costumes, with their carts laden with fresh produce, from vegetables and fruit to meat and sausages, among other things.

Since then, the fair has evolved and grown over the years to become what it is today: a great gathering to celebrate and enjoyed by young and old alike, because everyone has a place in this festival.

The Saint Thomas Fair today

Today, the Saint Thomas Fair still maintains that spirit of connection between our farmhouses and the city.

However, although the sale of products is still an important part of the event, the fair has grown to include a wide variety of activities and shows that celebrate Basque culture and traditions.

One of the main points of the fair is the Plaza de la Constitución and its surroundings, located in the Old Town. It is filled with stalls selling local products, as well as stalls run by schools and associations selling mainly chistorra pintxos and sandwiches, along with cider .

Some of these stalls also include other products such as cheese or doughnuts. All with the aim of not only bringing the festival to life, but also of making a profit that will later be used for different purposes, some of them recreational and others charitable.

At all the stalls, both those of the caseros and the rest, you will see people dressed in the traditional costume of farmers and baserritarras, which gives the event a unique and authentic atmosphere.

In addition, in the centre of the aforementioned square, every year you will find a large sow, the symbol of the festival.

Another spot is the Plaza Gipuzkoa, where, as well as food stalls, you will also find a craft fair, not forgetting that it is the perfect opportunity to visit the nativity scene that the Association of Nativity Scene Makers puts up every year in the square.

The talogiles or talos makers

In addition to the txistorra and cheese pintxos, one of the typical products of this day is the talo. A cake made with corn flour, it is handmade and grilled and is usually served with a tasty chistorra sausage, although it can also be enjoyed with other ingredients, such as cheese, bacon or chocolate for those with a sweet tooth.

These talos are made by talogiles (in Basque, the person who makes the talo). They are usually women, although it is becoming increasingly common to see men.

During the fair, the talogil stalls are the centre of attention, as locals and visitors alike queue up to try this delicacy. Talogiles are prepared on the spot and enjoyed hot, making them the perfect option to combat the December cold. In addition, talogiles represent that connection to rural Basque culture, as talo was traditionally a staple food in the farmhouses.

Children’s activities

The Saint Thomas Fair is not only an event for adults; children also have their place in this celebration. The children’s activities include craft workshops, traditional games and educational activities that allow children to learn about Basque traditions in a fun way.

One of the great attractions for families are the farm animals on display at the fair, such as sheep, goats and oxen, allowing children to interact with them and learn about life in the farmhouses.

Another highlight is the vegetable and fruit competition, where youngsters can see fresh produce up close and understand the value of local agriculture. These educational spaces help to transmit the love of the land and Basque culture to the new generations, making the Saint Thomas Fair a family event that is enriching for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Saint Thomas

As you can see, the Saint Thomas Fair is much more than a popular celebration; it is an open window to the roots of San Sebastian and Basque culture. With its rich history, its unique flavours such as talogiles and its activities for the whole family, this fair has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

If you have the opportunity to attend, don’t miss this experience that combines tradition, gastronomy and fun in one of the most authentic events in the city.