Meat lovers, prepare your taste buds! The 2025 Txuleta Festival is coming to Donostia-San Sebastián to transform the Reale Arena a temple of Basque and Spanish gastronomy. From May 28 to June 1, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all audiences, combining the best of culture, sport, and, of course, the undisputed star: the grilled steak.
What is the Txuleta Festival 2025?
The Txuleta Festival is much more than a gastronomic festival: it’s a celebration of Basque traditions, where the txuleta (or rib-eye steak, as it’s known in other parts of Spain) reigns supreme. Taking place at San Sebastian’s iconic Reale Arena, this event will bring together the best grillers on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as families, friends, and anyone interested in a festive atmosphere combining good food, live music, and cultural activities. Imagine a football stadium transformed into a giant open-air grill, with more than 25,000 steaks grilled over the five days of the event. Is your mouth watering? Me too!
Organized by the Gipuzkoan group Gesalaga-Okelan, in collaboration with local sports clubs such as Real Sociedad, the Zarautz Rowing Club, Bera Bera Handball, and the Zarautz Rugby Club, this festival not only delights the palate but also supports Basque sport and culture. The funds raised are used to finance the projects of these clubs, making every bite even more special.
The history and genesis of the Txuleta Festival
Although the 2025 Txuleta Festival is the first edition to be held in San Sebastian, the event has a long history, having originated a few years ago in neighboring towns such as Getaria and Zarautz. According to available information, the first edition took place in Getaria, where the Grand Final of the National Grill Masters Competition took place, a competition that brings together the best grill masters in the country. There, Oscar García, from the Txakolí Simón restaurant in Bizkaia, won the title, marking the beginning of a tradition that has continued to grow.
In 2023, the Txuleta Festival moved to Zarautz, where the semifinals and finals of the second and third editions of the Master Grill Competition took place. Roberto García, from the El Milano restaurant in Ávila, and Guillermo Martínez, from the Hotel Abadesa restaurant in Burgos, were the winners of these editions, respectively. Each year, the event grows in popularity, attracting more and more meat lovers and establishing itself as an essential event in the Basque culinary calendar.
The idea behind the Txuleta Festival is simple yet powerful: to celebrate the passion for txuleta, an iconic Basque dish, while paying homage to local traditions. Gesalaga-Okelan, a company with deep roots in the region, was the driving force behind this initiative, focusing on local produce and the quality that characterizes Basque cuisine. And now, in 2025, the festival takes a significant leap forward by moving to the Reale Arena, a stage that promises to elevate the experience to another level.
What can you expect at the Txuleta Festival 2025?
Dates and location
The 2025 Txuleta Festival will be held from May 28th to June 1st at the Reale Arena, Real Sociedad’s stadium in Donostia. This change of venue, after three editions in Getaria and Zarautz, is a nod to the capital of Gipuzkoa, which will become a meat-eater’s paradise for five days. The event will kick off on May 28th with the prestigious National Grill Masters Competition and will run until June 1st with a packed program of activities for all ages.
Entrance and prices
Good news! Admission to the 2025 Txuleta Festival is free, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy the atmosphere. In the tasting area, you’ll be able to savor high-quality steaks at affordable prices, meaning you won’t have to choose between eating well and staying within your budget. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from different grades of meat and learn how to cook it like a true grill master. Can you imagine going home with the title of “Grill King”? Keep reading, because there’s more!
Competitions that light the embers
One of the highlights of the 2025 Txuleta Festival is the National Grill Masters Competition, now in its fourth year. More than 50 grillers, one from each province of Spain, will compete for the coveted trophy for Best Griller of the Year. They will all use the same grills and live-cut steaks to ensure a fair competition. This competition is a spectacle in itself: watching the country’s best grillers battle it out over the coals is like witnessing a clash of the titans, but with a much more appetizing aroma.
But it doesn’t stop there. Sunday, June 1st, will see the 1st People’s Grilling Competition, a unique opportunity for barbecue enthusiasts to showcase their talents. If you’ve always prided yourself on preparing the best steaks at family barbecues, now’s your time to shine. The tournament rules will be released soon, so stay tuned if you want to become the Golden Griller.
Beyond the steak: Basque culture and sport
The Txuleta Festival isn’t all about the food (although, let’s face it, that’s the part we’re most excited about). The event also features a diverse program celebrating Basque culture in all its forms. There will be live music, from local bands to DJ sets, to keep you moving between bites. You’ll also be able to enjoy activities centered around cider, a regional classic that pairs perfectly with a good steak.
If you’re a sports fan, don’t miss the Basque rural sports exhibitions, featuring figures like Andoni Izeta (aizkolari) and Inaxio Perurena (harrijasotzaile). Watching these giants of Basque strength chopping logs at lightning speed or lifting enormous boulders is a spectacle that will leave you speechless. And no, it’s not just because of the steak you just ate.
Anecdotes and curiosities from previous editions
Over the years, the Txuleta Festival has left behind some memorable moments. At its first edition in Getaria, winner Oscar García became something of a local legend. According to some sources, he was so thrilled by his victory that he returned for the second edition as a judge and spokesperson, clearly demonstrating that his love for barbecue extends beyond competition.
In Zarautz, during the 2023 edition, a curious moment occurred when a group of attendees tried to convince the grillers to share their tips for achieving a perfectly cooked steak. One contestant’s response was epic: “The secret lies in love… and a good grill!” We don’t know if love is the key ingredient, but what is clear is that the passion for txuleta unites everyone who attends this festival.
Why can’t you miss the Txuleta Festival 2025?
If you’re still not convinced that the Txuleta Festival 2025 is the event of the year in Donostia, let me give you a few more reasons. First of all, where else can you enjoy 25,000 grilled txuletas in a football stadium? Secondly, the combination of gastronomy, culture, and sport in one place is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. And thirdly, it’s in Donostia, a city that’s already a dream destination with its beaches, atmosphere, and incredible culinary offerings.
So, know that as you mark your calendar from May 28th to June 1st, gather your friends or family and get ready to experience the steakParty 2025. Of course, I recommend going on an empty stomach and with the desire to have a good time. Are you ready to light the coals and become a real griller? See you at the Reale Arena!
@descubredonostia.com Txuleta Festa 2025 🔥🍖 ¡La Txuleta Festa 2025 llega a Donostia! Del 28 de mayo al 1 de junio, el Reale Arena se convertirá en el paraíso de la txuleta con concursos de parrilla, música, herri kirolak y mucho más. 🏟️🎶 Entrada gratis y 25.000 txuletas te esperan. ¿Te lo vas a perder? 😋 Descubre todos los detalles en www.descubredonostia.com y prepárate para disfrutar. #TxuletaFesta2025 #DonostiaSanSebastian #GastronomiaVasca #DescubreDonostia #RealeArena #ParrillaDeOro #CulturaVasca
♬ Cooking Time – Lux-Inspira
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