Saint Lucy’s
13 DecemberTo celebrate Saint Lucia is, in short, to recognize our roots and look to the future with pride, reinforcing the value of the local, the product of proximity and rural life.
Santa Lucía Fair in Zumarraga. Tradition, local produce and rural life
The Santa Lucía Fair, held every 13 December, is one of the most emblematic agricultural and livestock fairs in the Basque Country. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages and, although it was originally held in Ezkio, next to the hermitage of Santa Lucía, it was moved to Urretxu (formerly Villarreal) in 1727, after it was forbidden to hold fairs in open fields. Over time, the fair grew and Zumarraga began to play an active part in its development and consolidation.
From the mid-19th century onwards, the municipality of Zumarraga began to host more and more stalls, especially in the area of Zubiaurre (Kalebarren), and later in the streets of Piedad and Bidezar. The supply of suitable spaces for itinerant trade and the growing number of visitors led to the livestock fair being moved to Avenida Urdaneta, where it remains today as one of the focal points of the fair.
Since 1994, Zumarraga has been working together to organise the fair, with the aim of promoting the primary sector, boosting local trade and reinforcing the role of local produce. The fair attracts visitors from all over the territory, and this gives visibility to the work of the Baserritarras (farmers) and artisans of the region.
The day before: wine and atmosphere beforehand
Although the main day is 13 December, the day before, the activity begins with the Rioja Alavesa Wine Fair, which marks the start of the festive atmosphere. The wineries present the wines of the latest production and the Rioja Alavesa Wine Competition is held, an event that has gained prestige over the years.
The big day in Zumarraga
On the day of Santa Lucia, from early in the morning, Zumarraga becomes a great showcase of rural culture. At 8:00 am the stalls and exhibitions are already set up. The livestock exhibition is located in Avenida Urdaneta, where the equine competition gains prominence year after year, both in terms of the quality of the horses and the number of participants.
In the courtyard of the La Salle-Legazpi school, a wide variety of agricultural machinery and work tools are on display, showing the advances in the sector and allowing direct contact between producers and visitors.
One of the liveliest spots is the Plaza Euskadi, where an extraordinary market is held with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fresh apples, bread, cheese, honey, thallus and products made by local artisans. You can also see in situ how the craftsmen and women work. In this same square, the stone dragging trials with oxen are held, one of the most eagerly awaited activities by the public.
In Areizaga-Kalebarren, the chicken and capon competition take place, another of the fair’s classics, which highlights the value of traditional, quality breeding. The streets of the centre are filled with craft stalls and typical products, and there is no shortage of music: txistularis, trikitilaris and local groups perform throughout the town, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Much more than a fair
The Santa Lucía Fair is not only a commercial event. It is also a time to celebrate the local identity and culture of the rural environment. Exhibitions, competitions and markets serve to publicise the daily efforts of those who work the land and raise livestock in our region.
Zumarraga has managed to turn this fair into an opportunity to showcase its potential, attract visitors and keep alive the traditions that define us as a town. Sharing the organisation with the neighbouring municipality, Urretxu, has allowed the fair to expand without losing its essence, and this balance is a large part of its success.
