Introduction
San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, is a city that shines with its own light all year round, but if there is one event, in summer, that makes it an essential destination, it is the Big Week of San Sebastian, the Great week in Basque. This festival is one of the most important in the Basque Country and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This event, held every year in August, is an explosion of culture, tradition and entertainment that turns the city into a vibrant scene of fireworks shows, concerts, sports activities and first-class gastronomy.
During these days, San Sebastián receives thousands of visitors who immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere that permeates every corner of the city. The streets come alive with live music, colorful parades and endless proposals for all audiences. From the emblematic opening cannon, which marks the beginning of the festival, until the fireworks show that illuminates the night sky every night, Semana Grande is an unparalleled celebration.
In addition to official activities, the city becomes a meeting point for locals and tourists who enjoy the terraces, bars and restaurants, tasting the best pintxos and dishes of Basque gastronomy. The little ones also have their place in the programming, with children’s shows, workshops and games designed for them.
The Big Week of San Sebastian It is more than a simple party: it is a manifestation of San Sebastian’s cultural identity and hospitality. Every corner of Donostia is filled with music, color and activities that offer fun for all ages. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the party to the fullest, with practical advice, recommendations and curiosities that will make your experience unforgettable.
History and Origins of Semana Grande
From Bullfighting to the Multicultural Festival
The origins of Semana Grande date back to the 19th century, when San Sebastián established itself as an elite tourist destination, especially after the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth II, who popularized the city as a royal summer resort. Royalty and aristocracy found San Sebastián a perfect refuge to enjoy the sea and the temperate climate, which prompted the creation of events that attracted even more wealthy visitors.
To entertain the nobility and high-end tourists, numerous cultural and leisure activities were organized. However, the event that stood out the most in those first years was the bullfight, which soon became the main attraction of Semana Grande. In those times, bullfighting was considered a spectacle of great prestige and social relevance, and its inclusion in the festival program consolidated the identity of Semana Grande as a majestic celebration full of tradition.
As the years went by, the festival grew in importance and began to diversify, incorporating other elements such as musical shows, fairs and popular games. Despite this evolution, bullfighting maintained its central position within the event, attracting fans from all over Spain and strengthening the link between Semana Grande and bullfighting. Although today this relationship has changed, the impact of those first celebrations continues to be a fundamental part of the history of the Aste Nagusia.
Over time, Semana Grande evolved, moving away from the bullfighting world and becoming a popular and accessible festival for all San Sebastian residents. However, this transformation has not been without paradoxes. Although the bulls were the origin of the celebration, today many sectors deny their presence, considering them incompatible with the current identity of the Aste Nagusia. However, bullfights continue to be part of the festive program, maintaining a loyal audience and remembering the historical roots of this celebration.
The businessman Jose Arana He was a key figure in this transformation, giving the necessary impetus for Aste Nagusia to consolidate itself as the city’s great summer festival.
The Religious Dimension of Semana Grande
A Celebration Linked to the Virgin of the Assumption
Although the Semana Grande de San Sebastián is known for its festive and popular character, its origin also has an important religious root. The festival coincides with the celebration of the Virgin of the Assumption, whose holiday is commemorated on August 15. This date marks a special day for the people of San Sebastián, with liturgical acts and the traditional Salve in honor of the Virgin, which still remains a reference event in the Aste Nagusia calendar.
The city’s churches, particularly the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, they organize solemn masses attended by both parishioners and visitors. Although over time the focus of Semana Grande has turned to music, fireworks and entertainment, the religious essence is still present, remembering the importance of the Virgin in the history and culture of San Sebastián.
El Cañonazo: The Exit Gun Shot of the Party
Gunner, Give It Fire!
The official start of Semana Grande comes with the exciting gunshot, an event that brings together thousands of people in the Jardines de Party Eder. At 7:00 p.m., after singing the emblematic song “Gunner, give him fire“, a symbolic cannon shot is fired that marks the beginning of a week of pure celebration. This event is a tribute to the seafaring and military tradition of Donostia, reflecting the festive character and spirit of unity that defines the city.
The cannon shot is not only a roar that shakes the San Sebastian sky, but also a ritual that unites generations of San Sebastian residents and visitors in the same feeling of enthusiasm. From the early hours of the afternoon, the Alderdi Eder esplanade is filled with families, groups of friends and tourists looking to experience this moment from the best possible location. Many people dress in festive t-shirts, colorful scarves and accessories alluding to the Aste Nagusia, creating an atmosphere full of energy and excitement.
After the shot, the party spreads throughout the city. The streets are filled with music with brass bands and troupes, the bars and terraces are overflowing with joy and the old town becomes a hive of celebration. It is the beginning of a week in which San Sebastián is transformed into a scene of cultural events, concerts, gastronomy and shows that guarantee fun for all tastes and ages.
Fireworks: The Unmissable Night Show
Lights in the Bay: The International Fireworks Competition
One of the most iconic events of the Big Week of San Sebastian is he International Fireworks Competition. Every night, the skies of La Concha Bay are illuminated with a show of light and color, in which the best pyrotechnics in the world compete. This contest, which has more than half a century of history, is a true showcase of innovation and creativity in pyrotechnic art, where each company seeks to surprise with unique choreographies synchronized with music and special effects.
The contest has the participation of companies from different countries, each with its own style and pyrotechnic tradition. Throughout the week, each night is a new opportunity to enjoy surprising pyrotechnic designs, with compositions ranging from classic golden flashes to explosions of fluorescent colors that paint the sky of Donostia.
To enjoy the fires at their best, it is recommended to look for privileged locations, such as Paseo Nuevo, La Concha Beach, Monte Urgull or even from boats in the bay, an ideal option for those who want a panoramic view without crowds. In addition, the show becomes a social event where families and groups of friends gather to share food, drinks and good times while they wait for the start of the exhibition.
And, of course, after the show, it is tradition to enjoy a delicious artisanal ice cream in one of the classic ice cream parlors in the center. This custom, rooted in San Sebastian culture, allows attendees to prolong the evening by strolling through the port or the Old Town, where the festive atmosphere continues until the early hours of the morning. Without a doubt, fireworks are one of the most magical experiences of San Sebastián’s Semana Grande, attracting both locals and tourists who want to marvel at an unforgettable spectacle.
Concerts in Sagües: Music for All Tastes
During the Big Week of San Sebastian, music floods Donostia with the free concerts in Sagües, where national and international artists of various genres perform every night. This open-air stage has become one of the essential meeting points of Aste Nagusia and a reference for live music lovers.
Located next to the sea, Sagües offers a privileged environment to enjoy live performances with a festive and welcoming atmosphere. The concerts cover a wide variety of styles, from rock and pop to flamenco, folk and electronic music, ensuring that everyone who attends finds something to their liking. Additionally, many of these performances feature emerging artists and local bands, which adds a special touch to the program.
For those who want to live the experience to the fullest, it is recommended to arrive early, as the Sagües esplanade usually fills up quickly with spectators eager to enjoy live music. In addition, the proximity to bars and food stalls makes the evening even more pleasant, allowing you to taste pintxos and drinks while enjoying the show.
The concerts in Sagües are more than a simple musical activity: they are a celebration of cultural diversity and a meeting point for San Sebastián residents and tourists who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of the Semana Grande de San Sebastián. Every night, the stage is illuminated with lights and sound, creating a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the party.
Activities for Everyone: Sport, Tradition and Fun
The diversity of events and activities is one of the great strengths of Semana Grande. Among the notable events we find:
- Sports events: Swimming in the Bay, horse racing, beach volleyball tournaments and exhibitions of folk sports (Basque rural sports).
- Children’s activities: Games, workshops, giants and big heads, children’s discos and traditional ones fire bulls. The Pirates of Donostia: The Alternative Party of Semana Grande
The Pirates of Donostia: The Alternative Party of Semana Grande
The collective Donostia Pirates It is one of the most dynamic and alternative initiatives within the Big Week of San Sebastián. Created in 2003 as a response to the growing commercialization of festivals, this group organizes popular activities with a strong participatory and self-managed political component.
One of its most emblematic events is the pirate boarding, where thousands of young people jump into the sea in improvised boats with the symbolic mission of “taking” the city. This day is marked by music, humor and a festive spirit that challenges the traditional format of the Aste Nagusia.
In addition to boarding, Donostiako Piratak organizes an extensive program of concerts, popular meals, talks and activities for all ages, promoting a more inclusive and accessible party model. With a strong community identity, the group seeks to recover the essence of Semana Grande as a participatory celebration, away from commercial sponsorships and focused on citizen enjoyment.
Donostiarra Gastronomy: A Feast for the Palate
San Sebastián is a gastronomic benchmark and Semana Grande is no exception. During these days, numerous gastronomic contests, like those of paella, hake in green sauce and lamb stew. Furthermore, the famous pintxo-pote in Plaza Cataluña (Gros) is an unmissable date for those who want to enjoy a selection of pintxos and drinks at popular prices.
The Big Week from the Local Perspective
Although Semana Grande is a great tourist attraction, it is also an event that divides opinions among San Sebastian residents. While some enjoy the celebration, others feel that it has lost part of its local essence. Initiatives such as Donostiako Piratak seek to bring the party closer to residents, promoting a more participatory and authentic environment.
Practical Tips to Enjoy the Big Week to the Fullest
- Consult in www.descubredonostia.com the official program and plan your visit.
- Arrive early to popular events.
- Use public transport or park and ride facilities.
- Explore different neighborhoods and traditions.
- Don’t miss the nightly ice cream after the fires.
Conclusion
The Big Week of San Sebastian It is a vibrant festival that combines tradition, spectacle and citizen participation. If you are looking to live an unforgettable experience in Donostia, this celebration is a must on your August agenda. If you have the opportunity to experience it, immerse yourself in the magic of Great week and discover why it is one of the most anticipated events of the year. See you in Donostia!
