Bilbao, Arrasate / Mondragón, Azpeitia, Donostia / San Sebastián
Rural atmosphere reigns in Santo Tomás festivity, which is the day that marks the start of Christmas time. Many towns in the Basque Country celebrate this special day but it is in San Sebastián, Bilbao, Azpeitia, Lekeitio, Errenteria, Irun, Hondarribia, Usurbil and Arrasate/Mondragón where most people celebrate the festivity. Most towns celebrate it on December 21st. In Arrasate/Mondragón, where it also takes place on the 22nd -an is known as "Santamasak".
No doubt Santo Tomás attracts thousands of people every year. All of them are willing to taste all sorts of remarkable products, such as chorizo (food encompassing several types of pork sausage), talo (typical Basque food similar to the traditional tortilla of Central America, made of corn flour and water), and cider. Cheese, txakoli (Basque white wine), rosquillas (type of doughnuts), honey, sweets, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts will also be at the clients' disposal.
Furthermore, the fair will be packed with many exhibitions on farm animals where those who attend will have the chance to observe pigs and hens. Music is also protagonist on Santo Tomás day. Bertsolaris (singers of bertsos, a type of Basque musical verse), trikitilaris (players of trikitixa, two-row Basque diatonic button accordion), txalapartaris (players of txalaparta, Basque music device of wood or stone) and several bands will liven up the atmosphere.
Moreover, the little ones will have fun with a wide range of games and activities that have been especially arranged for them.