Let it shine!

Yesterday was Santo Tomás day, one that Donostiarras look forward to with great anticipation. It is not so much a religious festival as a winter fair, the day by tradition when farmers and homesteaders from round about brought their wares into the city prior to Christmas. It is the traditional side of things that really sets the tone. Around the city centre there are many stalls selling farm produce but there are also many others selling chistorra snacks accompanied by natural Basque cider. Chistorra is a spicy sausage that is served in bread rolls or talos, a kind of maize bread. Many of these stalls are run in benefit of end-of-course trips for schoolchildren and of all the festivals and celebrations held in San Sebastian, I would say that Santo Tomás day is the one that has the broadest appeal for local people of all ages and backgrounds.

What made this year's celebration somewhat special was the weather - it was beautiful! The sun shone all day, the temperature was just right and a real sense of festivity pervaded the atmosphere. Prior to this weekend, for the last two months it has rained here.. and rained.. and then rained some more. To have such fine weather on this day of all days added hugely to people's enjoyment. Many choose to dress up in traditional style which adds a sense of magic to the day. As the city changes, and some would say too fast, days like Santo Tomás help to maintain links with the past which are so often threatened by 'progress' and modernisation. Unlike many of other events that take place during the year, such as the Semana Grande in August, Santo Tomás day is not for tourists so much, although they are very welcome, as for those whose roots lie here.

One other event that helps to make Santo Tomás special is that the very next day is when the world-famous national lottery, El Gordo, is held, "The Biggest & Richest Lottery in the World". The total prize money is around $3.2bn. Many, if not most, of the people out spending their money on Santo Tomás have the hope of winning much, much more the next day. At the time of writing the 'big one' has not yet been drawn but with the world economic crisis looming larger and larger in people's lives, in addition to the usual flirtation with Lady Luck, there has been a slightly desperate touch to things this year. The only certainty now is next few hours will change some people's lives forever.