Bilbao has struck a healthy balance between its deeply rooted traditions and the most updated trends, both features strengthened by the city's consolidation as a service provider.

Its gastronomic culture lies at the heart of the city's customs. Bilbao hosts plenty of top quality restaurants offering the best of Basque culinary art. Abundant raw materials have favoured Bilbao's cuisine, which has made a name for itself the world over.

Passion for food is reflected in one of the most popular Basque customs: the "txikiteo" or "poteo", especially common in Bilbao. While you drink a "txikito" -small glass of wine- or "zurito" -small glass of beer-, you can see, at certain times of the day, a lot of city dwellers going from one bar to another, where they have their "pintxo", appetizers made up of various ingredients. You will find dishes ranging from the simplest and most traditional "pintxos" to the most sophisticated and imaginative food delights. A traditional "pintxo" contest in which bars and restaurants take part is held in Bilbao every year.

Gastronomic culture is also mirrored in some of the most popular festivities in the city as is Saint Thomas Day, celebrated every 21 December, when traditional products from "baserris" (hamlets) are exhibited and everyone can buy or taste delicious dishes in a joyful atmosphere. Tasting "talo con chorizo" (corn tortilla and salami) and "txakoli" (sweet regional white wine) is a must.

But that is not the only celebration in Bilbao. The city abounds in holidays dear to its inhabitants, among which Begoña Virgin's Day, the day of Vizcaya's patron virgin, known as the "Amatxu", is one of the most popular. On 11 October, as well as on 15 August, people go on a pilgrimage to the Basílica de Begoña, one of the greatest Bilbao symbols. Some of the many religious traditions of the city can also be appreciated in the Holy Week procession..

Bilbao's Fiesta is celebrated in August, and culinary art pervades the Fiesta's events. The inhabitants and visitors in Bilbao take to the streets in a celebration that lasts nine days and nine nights. But the streets are not the only witness the revelry, which also invades different locations and premises. The fireworks that throw light over the city during the nine nights of the celebration attract Bilbao's dwellers, as do the concerts and plays shown throughout the Semana Grande (Great Week).

The city is also proud of its popular symbols, one of which is its football team -Bilbao Athletic. Football is a real passion, and the strong affection for "los leones" (the lions) can be felt everywhere round. San Mamés, the Athletic's stadium, also called "La Catedral" (The Cathedral), is another main symbol of the city.