LAST MONDAY IN OCTOBER
Gernika hosts the biggest agricultural event of the year on the Last Monday in October, and this is also one of the largest in the entire Basque Country. It is a traditional Basque market which takes up the entire centre of the town, bringing in thousands of people every year, not only attracted by the top-quality products for sale, but also by the festive atmosphere. Producers sell their wares along the streets in the town centre: Artekalea, Industria, Juan Calzada, San Juan etc. The total number of stalls on the day is around 900, which includes the stalls at the usual Monday market and itinerant stalls.
One of the high spots of the market is the contest and exhibition of cheese, Bizkaia "txakoli" wine, honey, flowers, fruit and vegetables. The jury classifies the produce early in the morning, whereupon exhibitors may sell their wares. The prizes are usually awarded at the famous "Mercury Fountain" around noon. This is followed by the eagerly awaited auction of half of the winning cheese. It is a charity auction and also extremely popular, as bids can run into thousands of euros.
Many other products are sold at the market in the course of the day, such as cider, bread, candies, sweet "rosquilla" rings, vegetables, pâté, preserves, "Eusko Label" quality products, eco-agricultural produce etc. Visitors can also watch typical Basque products being crafted, and the event also features an exhibition of agricultural machinery. "Bertsolaris" reciting spontaneous rhymes and parades bring the event to life. There are also sporting events, with local games of bare-hand or basket-catch pelota. The festive party atmosphere continues well into the night.
Guidelines for your enjoyment of the Last Monday of October:
- Come early, using public transport if possible. If you do come by car, be patient and try to find a parking space well away from the town centre.
- Use comfortable footwear, because you are bound to do a lot of walking around all the stalls, trying out all the "delicatessens", and the party goes on until late in the evening ...
- Come hungry, and be ready to try the local fare of "talo" corn bread with a chorizo or morcilla filling, and Idiazabal cheese "pintxo" snacks, all washed down with a fine txakoli, or a bottle of cider. And don't forget your dessert: give your palate a treat with a piece of "pastel vasco" (Basque cake) or something similar.