Autumn fairs in Bizkaia 2025
TIME
October 2025
Experience Bizkaia’s great traditional fairs. From Mondays in October in Gernika to the massive Santo Tomás Fair on 21 December in Bilbao. An explosion of local products, txakoli and festive atmosphere that you cannot miss.
Traditional Monday markets in Gernika-Lumo
On Mondays in October, especially the last Monday of the month, Gernika’s weekly market for locally sourced products turns into a fiesta. Music, all kinds of competitions, pelota at Jai-Alai and a unique atmosphere cover the town.
Cattle competitions, cheese contests and local farm produce sellers create a unique atmosphere. Tens of thousands of people attend.
Beans Day in Gernika
To top it all off, the first Saturday in November is Día de la Alubia de Gernika. It’s a day for savouring the sensational bean stew and watching traditional Basque sports. In mid-December, it’s time for the Fiesta del Caracol, with its gastronomic competition and snail market, a traditional dish on Christmas tables in Bizkaia.
You can take the Euskotren train to and from Gernika. It departs from the centre of Bilbao and drops you off in the heart of the town after a very pleasant journey. Bear in mind that parking your car in Gernika on that day will be virtually impossible.
Feria de San Martín in Bilbao
On 11 November, these big celebrations are preceded by the San Martín Fair, held in the Jardines de Albia area
SANTO TOMÁS IN BILBAO
On 21 December, Bilbao celebrates its big end-of-autumn festival. The Arenal and Casco Viejo are packed with stands selling traditional corn cakes, txakoli, cider and other local products.
There are over 300 market stalls selling capons, doughnuts, cheeses, homemade bread, greens, beans, honey, wine, chestnuts and winter fruits. Bands of trikitilaris parade through the streets, otxotes (traditional singers) sing, and txistularis and pipers provide entertainment.
Christmas crafts fair in Bilbao
Also worth noting is GABONART, the Christmas Craft Fair, which takes place at the Muelle del Arenal in Bilbao between 15 December and 5 January.
Traditional autumn fairs in Bizkaia
BALMASEDA
On 23 October, San Severino in Balmaseda, with the International Putxeras Competition. Day of beans with bacon, chorizo, ribs and black pudding.
ZAMUDIO
On 3 and 4 November, 32nd Agricultural and Livestock Fair in Zamudio, with craft beer tasting.
OROZKO
Around 13 December, Saint Lucy’s Day, Orozko hosts a cattle show, an exhibition of agricultural and artisan products, and a bread and cheese competition.
GALDAMES
24 December, Bread Day in Galdames. Artisan bread fair; exhibition and sale of bakery products, flour, Basque cake, muffins, etc.
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