Get ready, because this weekend Donostia’s vibrant atmosphere is tripling! If you thought San Sebastián was already a lively city, just wait until you see what’s in store. As if by magic, three of our most beloved neighborhoods—the Port (El Muelle), Gros, and Amara—are celebrating their local festivals simultaneously. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the festivals in El Muelle, Gros, and Amara, a weekend packed with maritime tradition, surf-culture rhythms, and an incredible family-friendly atmosphere.
From Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th, 2025, the streets will be filled with music, grilled sardines, drum parades, and activities for all ages. The best part? Each neighborhood has its own unique personality, offering you three distinct festival experiences in a single city. Here at Descubre Donostia, we’ve prepared the complete program so you won’t miss a thing. Let’s dive in!
Karmengo Jaiak, Festivals in El Muelle: Maritime Tradition and a Taste of the Sea
The Carmen Festivities, or Karmengo Jaiak, in the city’s port are arguably the most iconic and deeply rooted celebrations in San Sebastián. They pay homage to the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of the arrantzales (fishermen), and the entire neighborhood throws itself into a celebration that smells of sea salt and grilled sardines. If you want to experience the purest essence of San Sebastián, you can’t miss it.
This neighborhood, the beating heart of the Old Town (El Casco Antiguo), is completely transformed. The atmosphere is electric, with a perfect mix of local families and curious visitors who come to enjoy one of the most authentic festivals.
Did you know…? The floral offering to “Aita Mari” is one of the most moving moments of the festivities. “Aita Mari” was a local sailor and fisherman, José María Zubía, famous for the heroic sea rescues he performed in the 19th century. The monument in his honor at the port is the epicenter of the city’s maritime devotion. The offering, which takes place on Wednesday the 16th, kicks off the most solemn events.
Below, we’ve broken down the program so you can experience the festival like a true donostiarra.
The Port’s Program: Friday, July 18th
Friday is an explosion of energy and activities for everyone.
- 10:30 AM: The youngest members of the family will have a blast on the inflatables set up in the festival area.
- 11:00 AM: It’s time for one of the most traditional and entertaining games: the children’s cucaña, a greasy pole extended horizontally over the water that participants try to walk across.
- 11:30 AM: To spark creativity, there will be a workshop for eskulanak (handicrafts) and face painting.
- 12:00 PM: The Buruhandi eta Erraldoiak (Big-Heads and Giants) will come out to dance through the streets, a spectacle that fascinates both children and adults.
- 12:00 PM: The Bertso-Triki Poteo begins. This is one of the best ways to experience Basque culture: a tour of the local bars featuring improvised poetry (bertsos) sung to the rhythm of the trikitixa (a Basque diatonic accordion).
- 2:30 PM: The traditional lunch in honor of the fishermen takes place, followed by an acoustic concert by Anuk and Elene.
- 6:30 PM: The Pasai Txaranga (a lively street band) will provide the soundtrack for the afternoon, animating every corner of the port.
- 7:30 PM: The moment many have been waiting for! The great popular sardinada (sardine barbecue). The smell of grilled fish will fill the air.
- 7:45 PM: Get ready for a burst of color with the Holly-Fest.
- 10:00 PM: The Zezensuzko (Fire Bull), a bull-shaped frame loaded with fireworks, will run through the streets in a thrilling but harmless shower of sparks.
- 10:30 PM: The night closes with concerts by MUGAN, TOC, and HERENEGUN, who will rock the main stage.
The Port’s Program: Saturday, July 19th
On Saturday, the party continues with a mix of crafts, rural sports, and of course, more music.
- 10:00 AM: The Artisan Fair opens, a perfect place to find unique, local products.
- 11:00 AM: The neighborhood’s Joaldunak, figures in ancestral costumes ringing large cowbells, will parade through the streets in a hypnotic procession.
- 12:00 PM: The cucaña returns for those brave enough to try their luck on the greasy pole.
- 12:30 PM: A demonstration of Herri Kirolak (Basque rural sports) featuring harrijasotzailes (stone lifters) and aizkolaris (log choppers) Udane Ostolaza, Joseba Otaegi, and Jon Arizmendi.
- 2:30 PM: A large popular lunch to recharge, followed by a Mus tournament (a traditional Basque card game).
- 6:00 PM: One of the main events: the Adults’ Tamborrada (drum parade) will thunder through the neighborhood.
- 7:30 PM: Another chance to enjoy delicious grilled sardines at the sardinada.
- 10:00 PM: The Zezensuzko will once again have everyone running.
- 10:30 PM: A night of concerts with performances by BURUTIK and 3TTU ERROMERIA, along with a feminist event at 11:45 PM.
The Port’s Program: Sunday, July 20th
The final day of the festival is a tribute to Basque culture and gastronomy.
- 11:00 AM: Muxikoak, traditional Basque dances in which everyone is invited to participate.
- 12:00 PM: A Herri Kirolak challenge between the teams from the Old Town and the Antiguo neighborhood.
- 12:00 PM: For food lovers, there will be a cheese tasting.
- 1:00 PM: A tortilla de patata competition (Spanish omelette), a classic that never disappoints.
- 1:00 PM: And for the most daring, the costume cucaña.
- 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM: Mojito competitions, first for kids (non-alcoholic, of course) and then for adults.
- 10:00 PM: The last Zezensuzko of the festival.
- 10:15 PM: The musical finale will be provided by ITZAL ERROMERIA.
- 11:59 PM: The final firecracker display will close out the festivities until next year.
Gros’s Festival (Zipotz Jaiak): The Epicenter of Surf and Music
Let’s switch gears and cross the Urumea River to immerse ourselves in the young, alternative atmosphere of the Gros festival, known as Zipotz Jaiak. Here, Zurriola Beach and Plaza de Cataluña become the heart of the party. It’s the perfect plan if you’re looking for concerts by up-and-coming bands, good vibes, and activities connected to the neighborhood’s surf culture.
Expert Tip: The main concert venues in Gros are split between Plaza Cataluña and Sagues, at the far end of Zurriola beach. Check the program carefully, because on many days there’s live music in both places at once. It’s a unique opportunity to discover new local and national bands in an unbeatable setting.
Gros’s Program: Friday, July 18th
On Friday, Gros kicks off the weekend with an incredible musical lineup.
- 10:30 AM: Hamaiketako (a mid-morning snack) organized by the Garagune-Usandizaga association.
- 12:00 PM: The Giants and Big-Heads will parade from Plaza Nafarroa Behera.
- 12:30 PM: A Trikipoteo will start from Plaza Cataluña to liven up the neighborhood bars.
- 4:00 PM: For the most enthusiastic, the Rally Poteo begins in Plaza Cataluña, a fun team-based competition among the bars.
- 9:00 PM: A night of concerts in Plaza Cataluña with an amazing lineup: EIRA, ADALA & SIVA, KARLOS NGUEMA, SKAREGGEKASKO, and REVOLUTIONARY BROTHERS. A night dedicated to fusion, reggae, and ska rhythms.
Gros’s Program: Saturday, July 19th
Saturday is the big day in Gros, with activities from early morning until late at night.
- 9:30 AM: Children’s 5-a-side football tournament at the Manteo fronton (pelota court).
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Surf Gymkhana on Zurriola Beach for all ages (0-99 years).
- 11:00 AM: For the strategists, chess games in Plaza Txofre.
- 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Pintxo competition among the neighborhood’s bars. An essential culinary route!.
- 2:30 PM: A massive popular paella in Sagues, organized by Groseko Surf Indarra.
- 6:30 PM: The adults’ tamborrada (drum parade) will march through the streets of Gros, starting from Plaza Nafarroa Behera.
- 8:00 PM: Grilled rib barbecue in Plaza Txofre for an open-air dinner.
- 9:00 PM: A double-header of concerts! In Sagues, Loidi’s, Watxuwei, Glory howl, and Txiltxoko + Peye Rose will perform. Meanwhile, in Plaza Cataluña, it will be the turn of Malko, Lukiek, and Sedientos de Cumbia.
Gros’s Program: Sunday, July 20th
Sunday in Gros is synonymous with Basque culture, local gastronomy, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- All day: Basque artisan and talo-maker fair on San Francisco street. (Talo is a traditional Basque corn flatbread). Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as a baserritarra (traditional Basque farmer).
- 11:00 AM: Marmitako Competition between culinary societies and groups of friends in Plaza Cataluña. (Marmitako is a hearty Basque tuna and potato stew).
- 12:00 PM: Cider tasting in Plaza Cataluña, a perfect opportunity to try the quintessential Basque drink.
- 12:30 PM: A session with top-tier bertsolaris (improvised verse singers) in Plaza Cataluña, featuring Sustrai Colina, Nerea Ibarzabal, Jon Martin, and Iñaki Apalategi.
- 12:30 PM: Spanish omelette competition, also in Plaza Cataluña.
- 8:00 PM: Concert by Andoni Oilokiegi in Plaza Txofre.
- 9:00 PM: Zezensuzko (Fire Bull) in Plaza Txofre.
- 10:00 PM: The final round of concerts in Plaza Cataluña will feature Badmintones, Aimarz, and DJ 3haiZra.
The Carmen Festival in Amara: A Popular and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Finally, we head to the Amara neighborhood, which also celebrates the Carmen Festival with a program designed for residents and families. The heart of the festival is located on Gregorio Ordoñez street and in Plaza Eibar. Here, the atmosphere is calmer and more local, making it ideal if you’re looking for family activities in San Sebastián.
Amara’s festival is known for its popular character, where San Sebastián’s traditions like the txistulari dawn parade and the tamborrada are experienced with a special, intimate feel.
Amara’s Program: Friday, July 18th
The festival in Amara kicks off on Friday afternoon.
- 6:30 PM: A performance of Herri Dantza (Basque popular dances) on Gregorio Ordoñez street.
- 7:30 PM: A large popular sardine barbecue on Gregorio Ordoñez street. It’s a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals.
Amara’s Program: Saturday, July 19th
Saturday is the big day for kids and tradition.
- 9:00 AM: Diana (a dawn musical parade) by the prestigious San Sebastián City Council’s Municipal Txistulari Band, who will tour the neighborhood to announce that the festival day has begun. You can learn more about them on the official San Sebastián City Council website.
- 11:00 AM: A morning dedicated to the little ones with face painting and children’s games on Gregorio Ordoñez street.
- 12:00 PM: The circus and dance show “Egun On Sikiera” by the Zirka Zirkus company.
- 6:00 PM: The Carmen Tamborrada (drum parade) will march through the neighborhood’s streets.
- 10:30 PM: DiskoFesta with DJ ETO on Gregorio Ordoñez street to dance the night away.
Amara’s Program: Sunday, July 20th
Sunday is a quieter day but features some very charming activities.
- Morning: The trikitixa group “Soinu Alai” will liven up the streets throughout the morning.
- 10:30 AM: A classic car show on Gregorio Ordoñez street, a delight for motor enthusiasts.
- 11:45 AM: The “Txiki Txoko Taldea” troupe will parade through the streets of Amara Berri.
- 1:00 PM onwards: The Mamelena society will offer a popular aperitif in Plaza Eibar.
- 7:00 PM: The grand festival finale will be led by the Cuban group “SON DE HOY,” filling Gregorio Ordoñez street with Caribbean rhythms to close out the festivities on a high note.
Conclusion: One Weekend, Three Ways to Experience Donostia
If you were wondering what to do in San Sebastián this weekend, you now have an incredible opportunity to discover the city’s soul through its neighborhoods. Whether you opt for the maritime tradition of the Port, the musical energy of Gros, or the family atmosphere of Amara, fun is guaranteed.
Our recommendation is to try a little bit of each. Why not start with a sardine barbecue at the port, follow it with a concert in Sagues, and end the weekend admiring the classic cars in Amara? You get to choose your own festival adventure.
So, which festival will you be sure not to miss? Do you have any special memories of the festivals in these neighborhoods? We’d love to read them in the comments, and please share this article so everyone can make their weekend plans!
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