Feria de Santo Tomás en Bilbao

Introduction and local significance

La Feria de Santo Tomás en Bilbao is officially held for this edition from 21 to 22 December 2026. This event turns the capital of Bizkaia into a benchmark that officially marks the start of Christmas. During these two days, the town's streets host a wide variety of stalls and activities that attract the attention of numerous visitors and locals.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebration stands out for being a day when a rural atmosphere reigns right in the middle of the urban environment. Among the most prominent traditional elements are farm animal exhibitions, where specimens of pigs and hens are shown directly to the attending public. Traditional and popular music forms an indivisible part of this festivity thanks to the constant presence of different groups. In this way, tradition is kept alive through livestock displays and cultural expressions deeply rooted in the territory.

Programme and main events

Ths official programme of the fair includes tastings and musical performances which you can check in detail in the top card, so here we limit ourselves to highlighting its main axes. Among the most prominent contents are musical entertainment by bertsolaris (traditional Basque improvisers), trikitilaris (trikitixa accordion players), txalapartaris (txalaparta percussionists) and various musical groups that roam the enabled spaces. The main events revolve around the display of the primary sector, combining popular tastings with the exhibition of products from the countryside. It is advisable to consult the official programme before travelling, as schedules and events may undergo changes according to the planned organisation.

Traditional festival food

Agri-food products are the great protagonists of the festivity and can be tasted or purchased directly at the authorised stalls during the fair days.

• Talo: traditional flatbread made from maize flour that is regularly enjoyed during the course of the fair.
• Chorizo: prominent pork sausage product that is consumed together with other typical preparations of the day.
• Sidra: typical traditional cider beverage enjoyed during the celebration of the fair.
• Txakoli: typical slightly sparkling white wine that can be purchased at the various enabled stalls.
• Queso: artisanal cheese product that can be purchased during the celebration.
• Miel: natural honey product available for purchase in the enclosure.
• Rosquillas: traditional ring-shaped sweet pastry that can be acquired at the fair stalls.
• Dulces: variety of sweet products that can be acquired during the festive days.
• Frutas: fresh agricultural products that can be purchased at the fair market.
• Verduras: vegetables and garden produce that can be acquired during the event.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To plan the visit to the Feria de Santo Tomás en Bilbao, it is essential to take into account the logistical recommendations provided for the designated dates. On the days with the highest turnout, it is preferable to use public transport or choose to park outside the urban centre. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the dates of the festival. In addition, staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns considerably facilitates following the programmed events during the festive days.