The Santo Tomás Market festivities kicked off this year with special excitement as the event celebrated its 75th anniversary on December 21, 2023. Held at El Arenal in Bilbao, this beloved Christmas tradition draws around 100,000 attendees annually, uniting local culture, gastronomy, and community support.
Organized by BBK and the City of Bilbao, this year's festivities featured 235 booths representing 121 local producers. From traditional txistorra (sausage) served on freshly made talos to numerous artisanal products, the market offered a delightful array for visitors to explore.
The event is not just a celebration of local boons; it also champions charitable efforts within the community. This year, the event included the distribution of 4,500 portions of Gernika beans, prepared by the Bisubi Foundation alongside local chefs from the Putxera Brotherhood. These beans were sold at €4, and the extra servings were provided through solidary containers at €8, aiming to support various local associations. Lara Martín, president of the Bisubi Foundation, expressed the intention: "Through the 4,500 servings of beans we’ll prepare, we aim to delight visitors and contribute to the work of social inclusion associations."
The festive atmosphere not only fosters community spirit but also prioritizes sustainability. This year’s market emphasized environmental responsibility. Participants used reusable cups and biodegradable bags to minimize waste and prevent single-use plastics. The Ekokuadrilla, made up of local youth, worked at the market to raise awareness about sustainability.
For those attending, public transportation was not just recommended but emphasized. With the anticipation of significant crowds, Metro Bilbao increased its service capacity to accommodate the expected influx. Additional C-2 and C-3 train services provided over 1,400 extra seats during peak demand times, ensuring visitors could transit easily to the center of Bilbao.
Traffic management was another cornerstone of the preparations for this landmark celebration. Streets around El Arenal were closed to traffic from early morning, and numerous bus routes were altered to adapt to the changing flow of people. The local authorities emphasized the use of public transport, recommending attendees make their way via train or metro to avoid congestion.
Throughout the day, families and individuals reveled in the local flavors, with booths not only displaying edible delights but also showcasing handicrafts and cultural products. The market was filled with lively interactions where producers had the opportunity to share their stories, connecting attendees to the roots and traditions of Basque culture, ensuring the essence of community remains central to the celebration.
Beyond the gastronomic offerings, the event also held significance for the younger generation of producers. BBK continued to support young talents by recognizing their contributions with awards, ensuring the continuity of this rich cultural tradition for years to come.
Lara Martín noted, "This event is an example of how gastronomy can be a motor for social transformation." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of Santo Tomás—a celebration where enjoyment intertwines with purpose, and food serves as both sustenance and a bridge to community resilience.
With the enduring success of the Santo Tomás Market, this year's festivities stand as not only a reflection of local heritage but also as a beacon of hope and collaboration within the community. Attendees left with more than just bags of goodies; they carried home the essence of Bilbao’s spirit—generosity, togetherness, and respect for local traditions.
