Guide to the Tamborrada: Origin and meaning
This guide to the tamborrada will help you know the most important and massive festival in San Sebastián, which is celebrated every January 20 in honor of its patron saint, Saint Sebastian.
It begins with the raising of the flag in the Plaza de la Constitución at midnight and ends 24 hours later with its lowering.
Follow the guide of the tamborrada and you will feel like another San Sebastian native!
Key moments not to miss
Flag raising (midnight January 19-20):
- Place: Constitution Square.
- This is the official lift, where the Plaza de la Constitución is filled to the brim with people. If you want to see it, it is essential to arrive early to find a good place.
- It is the most emotional and anticipated moment. The Tamborrada de Gaztelubide, accompanied by other companies, marks the official start of the festival to the rhythm of the San Sebastián march.
- In addition to this hoisting, there are other important ones in different parts of the city, such as in the Center, Gros and the Antiguo, where you can also enjoy the excitement of the beginning of the festival.
Main parades:
- Children’s drumming (January 20, in the morning):
- More than 5,000 children participate, parading through the city center, dressed as Napoleonic soldiers and cooks.
- Key location: Alderdi Eder, Boulevard and the city center.
- Parades of adult companies:
- They tour different neighborhoods throughout the day. The most representative companies pass through the center, but the neighborhood parades (Gros, Antiguo or Amara) offer a closer atmosphere.
These are some of the most representative drums by neighborhoods and times
| Barrio | Compañía | Horario |
|---|---|---|
| Parte Vieja | Gaztelubide | 23:15 – 03:30 |
| Antiguo | Sansustene | 23:30 – 03:30 |
| Gros | Umore Ona | 23:30 – 03:30 |
| Amara | Amaratarrak | 23:40 – 03:30 |
| Intxaurrondo | Leosinetako Danborrada | 23:40 – 02:30 |
| Parte Vieja | Euskal Billera | 03:00 – 06:30 |
| Antiguo | Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea | 17:15 – 21:15 |
| Parte Vieja | Kresala | 07:00 – 10:30 |
| Amara | Santiagomendi Elkartea | 00:00 – 04:00 |
| Parte Vieja | Aizepe | 16:30 – 20:10 |
| Parte Vieja | Amaikak Bat | 10:30 – 14:30 |
| Gros | Dolphins | 10:45 – 14:30 |
| Centro | Aldapeta María Ikastetxea | 13:15 – 16:30 |
| Intxaurrondo | Txirritako Txuriurdinak | 17:30 – 21:30 |
| Parte Vieja | Union Artesana | 00:00 – 03:30 |
| Parte Vieja | Gaztelubide | 00:00 – 04:00 |
| Amara | Tamborrada Solidaria | 16:00 – 19:30 |
| Centro | Catedral Centenario | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Antiguo | Istingorra | 10:30 – 14:00 |
| Parte Vieja | Kañoietan | 00:00 – 03:30 |
| Gros | Zurriola Ikastola | 18:45 – 23:00 |
| Centro | Eskola Tamborrada | 17:00 – 21:15 |
| Centro | Tamborrada Txubillo | 16:30 – 20:00 |
| Centro | Emakumeen Etxea | 14:00 – 18:00 |
| Antiguo | Real Club de Tenis de San Sebastián | 00:00 – 04:00 |
| Centro | Sociedad Fotográfica de Gipuzkoa | 18:45 – 21:45 |
| Amara | Tamborrada Morlanstarra | 17:00 – 20:30 |
| Parte Vieja | Ollagorra | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Intxaurrondo | Tamborrada Mons | 17:00 – 21:30 |
| Antiguo | Ayete Tamborrada | 19:00 – 22:00 |
Lowering of the flag (midnight from January 20 to 21):
- Place: Constitution Square.
- It marks the closing of the party with an emotional interpretation of traditional pieces.
Tips to enjoy like a local
The Tamborrada lasts 24 hours, and the sounds of the drums resonate throughout the city all day long. You can choose different ways to enjoy it:
- Get up early if you are looking for another perspective: Although it is not mandatory, getting up early allows you to see the city from another angle. The morning parades offer a different, more familiar and relaxed atmosphere.
- Spend the gaupasa night (spend the night without sleeping): If you prefer not to sleep, enjoying the night at the Tamborrada and continuing with the morning parades can be an unforgettable experience. The transition from night to day reflects the uninterrupted spirit of the celebration. There will be no shortage of bars and open societies that will make staying up late easier and more enjoyable while you share the festive atmosphere with others.
- Explore different neighborhoods: Each area has its own personality and style in Tamborrada. Gros and the Ancient One are especially lively.
- Try the gastronomy: Take the opportunity to enjoy a good pintxo and a glass of txakoli or cider between parades. Many bars offer special menus that day.
Details not to forget
- Actively participate: La Tamborrada is not only enjoyed as a spectator; You can also join in the festive atmosphere by singing traditional melodies and playing to the rhythm of the drums. Many attendees wear a circle of ocumen that simulates a drum around their necks and beat it with a drumstick or stick, following the rhythm of the drums with enthusiasm.
- Enjoy music: The most emblematic pieces, such as the San Sebastián March or Iriyarena, are the soul of the party. Recognizing them will help you connect with the environment.
In this link you can access the most representative pieces of the master Sarriegui - Dress for the occasion: Although it is not mandatory, many locals wear something blue and white in honor of the city’s colors.
Local experience at home
- If you can’t be in San Sebastián, follow the main acts through live broadcasts on television or on local platforms. The passion of the Tamborrada reaches even from a distance.
Curiosities that enrich the experience
- The suits: The cooks and soldiers are the protagonists. Each company wears a unique uniform that reflects its identity.
- The atmosphere in bars and gastronomic societies: The city becomes a continuous party. Between parades, the bars and societies are full of people sharing songs and laughter.
- The symbolism of the flag: Beyond the official event, it is a reminder of the community spirit that defines San Sebastián.
https://danborrada.donostiakultura.eus/
