Fiestas de San Fausto en Durango

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas de San Fausto in Durango will be celebrated this year from 10 to 18 October 2026. This patronal event in Bizkaia brings together locals and visitors around a programme that combines local tradition with cultural and festive activities in various locations throughout the municipality. Attending these festivities allows one to fully immerse themselves in the life of the Bizkaian town during the month of October.

Historical origins and tradition

Historical documentation attests that festivities with young people running in front of calves were already being held in 1580, with compensations established for those injured due to these practices. The celebrations of the Fiestas de San Fausto in Durango begin at noon with the traditional welcome to Patxikotxu in the San Fausto neighbourhood and the descent of groups from Landako Gunea to the town hall. Participants dress in their usual white shirts and blue scarves, carrying Pantxike to attend the inaugural txupinazo. Other notable rituals of the "Sanfaustos" include the morning bullfighting festivities of "Zezenak dira" accompanied by dulzainers and the distribution of traditional "artopillek". In the past, it was also a deep-rooted custom to gift attendees with apples from the local orchards.

Programme and main events

The official programme for this edition includes a variety of events, from the initial welcome in the eponymous neighbourhood to women's pelota, pala, and federated matches at the frontón Ezkurdi Jai Alai. Throughout the days, the descent of groups with the Fanfarria Irulitxa, the txupinazo led by Sasikoa Kirol Kluba in the town hall square, and the live broadcast of the same from the portico of Santa María take place. Popular events such as the Sukalki contest in Landako Gunea, the craft fair in Ezkurdi, the Ghana festival in Santa Ana square, and the international cesta punta championship "Memorial Miguel Piedra" in its 41st edition are also highlights. To consult the complete list of schedules, detailed locations, and children's or musical activities, it is necessary to review the official programme of the event.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomy of this period features deeply rooted preparations that can be tasted in local establishments, popular contests, and designated stalls. Among the most representative products of the festival are the following:

• Artopillek: traditional buns that are distributed and consumed en masse during the festive days.
• Talo con chorizo o panceta: corn cake cooked on a griddle and filled with local sausage, ideal for tasting alongside txakoli or cider.
• Sukalki: traditional stew of potatoes with beef, choricero peppers, and vegetables that is the focus of the popular gastronomic contest held in Landako Gunea.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main venue for several activities is Landako Gunea, while the TADU parking area hosts the stalls in October with 120 rotating spaces available after the festivities. To reach the municipality and avoid traffic jams or congestion, it is recommended to use public transport. Among the available options, the Euskotren train via the Bilbao-Donostia line stands out, featuring a modern underground station in the city centre that connects to Bilbao in about 40 minutes. Additionally, Bizkaibus buses on lines A3911, A3912, and A3915 connect Bilbao and other points in the region with continuous frequencies. Those opting for private vehicles should keep in mind that the historic centre is completely pedestrianised, so it is advisable to park outside. For accommodation, it is wise to book in advance both in the municipality itself and in nearby towns, and it is preferable to check the official schedules beforehand for any last-minute changes.