Holidays and Events in San Sebastian
SAN SEBASTIÁN DAY: THE TAMBORRADA DRUM PARADE
Every 20th January, San Sebastián celebrates its patron Saint's day with the Tamborrada drum parade. Events kick off at 12 o'clock at midnight on the 19th in the Plaza de la Constitución, when the city flag is raised. The drumming opens with the Sociedad Gaztelubide and representatives of other drum outfits who play to melodies by Sarriegui and continues throughout the following 24 hours.
On January 20th, it is practically impossible not to come across at least one Tamborrada in the streets of San Sebastián. More than 125 companies (each with 20 to 50 drums and 50 to 100 barrels, accompanied by a brass band, flag-bearers and water-carriers) bring the streets alive with their tunes and dances.
At 12 o’clock midnight on the 20th the Unión Artesana tamborrada lowers the flag and brings to an end the festivities until the following year.
SAINT THOMAS'S DAY
The famous celebrations for Saint Thomas's Day take place every December 21st. The city turns into an enormous country market of which the absolute star is the txistorra (fresh chorizo-like sausage). Stalls are set up all over the city, offering all sorts of food and craft wares, mostly produced by the people from the local farmhouses. These include cheese, honey, txistorra sausage, cider and cakes.
It is a non-written tradition to wear the traditional Basque clothes during Santo Tomás, and go to the market with your kuadrilla (group of best friends), eat talo with txorizo (sausage) and drink txakoli.
Santo Tomás is a very special day because people meet with old friends, that´s why the good atmosphere reigns. Despite other festivities, Santo Tomás is mainly celebrated during the day. In the afternoon, there are also musicians and Dj´s in the main stage to make the party pleasant.
GREAT WEEK
During the week of the 15th of August, the Virgin's Day, this festivity is held combining the International Firework Competition right in the middle of La Concha Bay. The traditional cannon shot fired is the starting point of the festivity and takes place at the Alderdi Eder gardens at 19.00 o’clock.
One of the most important elements of the Semana Grande is, without a doubt, the International Fireworks Contest, which includes the participation of companies from different parts of the world. Also, music has an important place in the festival. Great musical stars gather in the capital of Gipuzkoa. As far as sports is concerned, it is worth mentioning the classic swimming crossing from Getaria to San Sebastian, horse races, the beach-volleyball tournament and "herri-kirolak" exhibitions (Basque rural sports).
