Culture and Festivals: The Heartbeat of Donostia
San Sebastián is a living stage. From the solemn roar of drums to the glamour of cinema, and jazz by the sea.
It is no coincidence that San Sebastián was the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Here, the agenda never stops. We are a city that lives its traditions with overflowing passion, but also knows how to roll out the red carpet to welcome the world.
At Descubre Donostia, we guide you through the essential events that transform the city throughout the year.
January 20th: The Biggest Day
The Tamborrada isn’t just a party; it is a collective emotion. For 24 uninterrupted hours (from the flag raising to the lowering), the city rumbles to the sound of Sarriegi’s marches. Gastronomic societies, companies of children and adults… everyone plays the drum or the barrel. It is something you have to experience at least once in a lifetime.
International Stage: Jazz and Cinema
When summer arrives, followed by the beginning of autumn, Donostia turns cosmopolitan. The stages take over the streets and stars stroll along the bay.
Jazzaldia (July)
One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. The highlight: its free concerts on the Zurriola Beach. Listening to music with your feet in the sand and the sunset in the background is a magical experience.
Zinemaldia (September)
The International Film Festival. The city fills with glamour, the Kursaal and Victoria Eugenia theaters dress up to the nines, and crowds gather to watch Hollywood stars arrive at the Hotel María Cristina.
Fiesta and Sea: The Donostia Summer
Semana Grande (August)
The Aste Nagusia (Big Week) is the quintessential summer festival. The main event is the International Fireworks Competition over the bay. Grabbing an ice cream and finding a spot by the railing or on the beach is a mandatory ritual.
La Concha Regattas (September)
The “Rowing Olympics”. On the first two Sundays of September, the bay fills with traineras (traditional boats) and the streets explode with color. Fans head down to the port and the ramp wearing their team’s colors. It is the sporting event with the deepest cultural roots.
Rural Tradition: Santo Tomás
On December 21st, just before Christmas, the city travels back in time. Donostia turns into a giant rural market. It is the day to dress up as a baserritarra (traditional farmer), eat txistorra in a talo (corn tortilla), and drink cider. The atmosphere in the Old Town and Constitution Plaza is unbeatable.