Santo Tomás Fair — Donostia's Oldest Rural Market

Three centuries of tradition on Plaza de la Constitución

The Santo Tomás Fair is a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Every 21 December, more than 200 stalls from farmhouses across Gipuzkoa occupy the Plaza de la Constitución and adjacent Old Town streets.

What you must not miss

• Talo with freshly grilled chistorra — the maize flatbread that defines the day. Buy it at the farmhouse stall, not in the surrounding bars
• Idiazabal cheese in all its varieties: always ask to try before buying — producers are happy to offer samples
• Mountain honey from Gipuzkoa: heather, oak, chestnut and wildflower, in a jar or in honeycomb
• Young natural cider of the year, direct from the producer, cheaper than in shops
• Seasonal fruit: Reineta and Golden apples from orchards, winter pears and mountain walnuts

The secret the chefs know

The chefs from Donostia's finest restaurants come out in the early morning hours to buy the fresh produce they will use in their Christmas menus. If you see someone in an apron buying in quantity, do not wander far — that stall has the best goods at the fair.

Hours and access

The fair opens at 9:00 and closes at 18:00. The best time: between 10:00 and 12:00. Arrive on foot or by tram — parking in the area is impossible this day. The Plaza de la Constitución is the epicentre.