Culture and festivals in San Sebastián
The celebrations that shape the local calendar, the city’s major festivals and cultural spaces worth seeking out throughout the year.
Culture in San Sebastián is not confined to a handful of headline events. You find it in city-centre theatres, museums and contemporary art spaces, but also in the neighbourhood societies that rehearse for months before the Tamborrada.
Use this guide to place the main celebrations in the calendar and decide when to visit. Dates, venues and ticket arrangements can change from one edition to the next, so follow the links for the latest programme before setting out.
20 January: the Tamborrada
Twenty-four hours to the music of Sarriegi
From the raising of the city flag at midnight to its lowering the following night, adult companies and children’s groups march through the neighbourhoods playing drums and barrels. Plaza de la Constitución hosts the best-known moments, though stumbling across a company in a side street is every bit as memorable.
For a first visit, choose where you want to watch the opening ceremony, check the routes and book accommodation early. This is one of the busiest and most atmospheric winter dates in the city.
Plan your Tamborrada visitJazzaldia and Zinemaldia: two festivals, two sides of the city
Jazzaldia
For several days, jazz takes over concert halls, squares and open-air stages. A mixture of ticketed performances and free concerts makes it easy to build a programme at any pace. The Zurriola venues draw the crowds and cameras; smaller rooms often provide the festival’s most rewarding discoveries.
Jazzaldia programme and tips
Zinemaldia
The San Sebastián International Film Festival transforms the Kursaal, Victoria Eugenia Theatre and cinemas across the city for a week. You do not need industry accreditation to join in: much of the programme is open to the public through regular ticket sales.
A visitor’s guide to ZinemaldiaSummer by the sea
Aste Nagusia · Big Week
Big Week brings concerts, family events, giants and big-head figures, sport and street celebrations. Each evening, the International Fireworks Competition draws thousands towards La Concha Bay. Arrive early for a comfortable viewpoint and allow the crowds to clear before leaving the waterfront.
Aste Nagusia and fireworks guide
La Concha Regatta
On the first two Sundays in September, traditional traineras race across the bay while supporters fill the harbour, promenade and slopes of Mount Urgull. It is elite sport with the feel of a popular local celebration: club colours, groups of friends and maritime tradition from early morning.
Times, crews and race-day guideSan Sebastián’s cultural calendar at a glance
21 December: St Thomas Fair
The centre and Old Town become a large country market for the day. Stalls serve txistorra sausage in freshly made talo, farm produce fills the squares and many locals dress as baserritarras. Plaza de la Constitución is the traditional focal point, but the celebrations spread across the surrounding streets.
Guide to the St Thomas FairCulture throughout the year
San Telmo Museum
Set in a former convent in the Old Town, the museum explores Basque society and is an excellent introduction to the region’s history and identity.
Tabakalera
The former tobacco factory is now an international centre for contemporary culture, with exhibitions, cinema, a library and spaces for artists.
Theatres and auditoriums
Victoria Eugenia Theatre, Teatro Principal and the Kursaal host much of the city’s theatre, dance, music and conference programme.
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