The Tinkers in San Sebastián is one of the most representative celebrations of the city, marking the prelude to Carnival and paying tribute to the ancient craftsmen who toured Europe repairing metal utensils. This annual event is not only a display of tradition, but also a vibrant expression of culture and community, involving people of all ages and backgrounds.
Origin of the Tinkers
Tinkers were nomadic artisans, often of Gypsy origin, who moved from city to city offering their repair services for cauldrons and other metal utensils. At a time when metal objects were essential and difficult to replace, its arrival was highly anticipated. The characteristic sound of hammers hitting metal not only announced their arrival, but also the beginning of a period of joy and renewal. In many places, their presence marked the beginning of celebrations such as Carnival, symbolizing transformation and hope.
The Boilermakers in San Sebastian
In San Sebastián, this tradition dates back to February 2, 1884, when the popular societies “La Unión Artesana” and “La Fraternal” organized the first Comparsa of Tinkers in Hungary. This inaugural parade, held during the Candelaria festival, featured music composed by Raimundo Sarriegui and lyrics by Adolfo Comba. In 1886, the famous song “Begi urdin bat” by Victoriano Iraola was added to the repertoire.
Over the years, the celebration has gone through periods of splendor and decline. During the 1950s, thanks to the Gaztelupe and Gaztelubide societies, the festival was revitalized and began to be celebrated regularly. Between 1959 and 1968, the character of the Queen was consolidated, new troupes appeared in the Antiguo neighborhood and the first Saturday in February was established as the official date. This period also marked the beginning of greater community involvement, with a renewed focus on the cultural and festive aspects of the event.
The last great resurgence of Tinkers in San Sebastián took place in 1972, led by the Attraction and Tourism Center in collaboration with citizens and popular societies. This joint effort ensured not only the continuity of the celebration, but also its adaptation to modern demands. Since the 1980s, the inclusion of women has transformed this festival, promoting equality in all roles within the troupes. Today, both men and women participate with enthusiasm, symbolizing society’s evolution towards more inclusive values.
Current Celebration
Nowadays, the Tinkers Festival in San Sebastián is celebrated on the first Saturday in February or the Saturday following Candlemas. The troupes walk through the streets of the city, raising a clamor of pans and hammers while traditional melodies are sung. Participants wear colorful outfits, evoking the clothing of Hungarian Tinkers , and carry metal utensils that they bang to the rhythm of the songs.
The Traditional Troupe of Tinkers of Hungary begins its parade in the Old Town, establishing their camp in the Constitution Square. There, the Queen of the Comparsa and the Ladies greet the San Sebastian public and the participants perform songs such as “Begi urdin bat” and “Mazurca”, accompanied by the Band of the Municipal School of Music and Dance. This moment is especially anticipated by the public, who gathers to enjoy a show full of music and tradition.
The troupe includes various characters: the Queen, the Ladies, the Directors, the Bear and his Tamer, among others. In total, more than 400 people organized into 19 tribes participate in the parade, accompanied by the txaranga Gauerdi. Additionally, other troupes hold parades in different neighborhoods of the city, expanding the scope of the festivity and allowing more people to join the celebration. These parades also offer an opportunity for local communities to show their creativity and devotion to this centuries-old tradition.
Beyond its cultural dimension, the Tinkers Festival also has a positive economic impact on the city, attracting tourists and generating commercial activities related to the event. This festivity is, without a doubt, a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of San Sebastián and its ability to preserve and reinvent its traditions.
The Songs of the Tinkers
The melodies and lyrics are a fundamental part of the Tinkers Festival. These compositions not only beautify the celebration, but also allow the history and character of this tradition to be conveyed. The songs reflect the creativity and community spirit that defines this holiday. Each melody has a special meaning, evoking emotions and memories among participants and spectators.
Over time, the lyrics have evolved slightly, but have maintained their essence, allowing new generations to connect with the cultural roots of San Sebastián. The songs also stand out for their catchy rhythms and unique style, which make them unforgettable for those who listen to them.
Below are the songs performed during the celebration:
| Coro de Caldereros Húngaros | Begi Urdin Bat |
|---|---|
| ¡Qué belleza! ¡Qué paisaje contemplamos todos por doquier! ¡Al gran pueblo donostiarra saludamos llenos de placer! Caldereros somos de la Hungría, que venimos a San Sebastián. Aquí Momo sólo nos envía a decirles que pronto vendrá. Componemos bien y pronto el alegre Carnaval. ¡Ay, cuánta dicha vamos a gozar! Cantad… Bailar… Gozar… Shi, shi… Bailar… Gozar… ¡Qué belleza! ¡Qué paisaje contemplamos todos por doquier! ¡Al gran pueblo donostiarra saludamos llenos de placer! | Famaren hotsak goititutzen du merezi duen herria zeru txiki bat dirudiena hala da gustagarria. Lehengoko zaharra txukun txukuna eder, alaia berria etzaigu penik behin ere joango lehenago ez etorria. Begi urdin bat begira dago algaraz leiho batetik beste beltzeran, tentatzailea txeletan berriz bestetik. Zoramen hauek maite ditugu bihotzen erdi erditik ez gera joango hoiek lajata gehiago Donostiatik. Ez gera joango, ez gehiago Donostiatik. |
| Caldereros Húngaros en el Trabajo (Mazurca) | Canto Húngaro |
|---|---|
| Queridos compañeros, vamos a trabajar. Componemos, bien y pronto, peroles, chocolateras, los braseros y calderas barato y con perfección. Y trabajamos de balde, aunque el maestro nos riña, si nos miran esas niñas que están en ese balcón. Donostiarras, hechiceras, ¿quién nos llama? que nos vamos. ¡Grato recuerdo llevamos al separarnos de aquí! Y no olvidéis que hoy al dejar los caldereros vuestro país una canción van a cantar acompañados del tic, tic, tac. | Nach geta mer nach geta mer nach Nach geta mer nach. Arbeit asfreit Ist gut ruhen singelin Arbeit asfreit Ist gut ruhen singelin. Est mur serlunch, Est mur serlunch, Frais ken fort len Wolmianch ot men.. |
| Recorrimos | |
|---|---|
| Recorrimos diversos países y admiramos beldades a mil. Pero nunca mujeres tan lindas cual las niñas que vemos aquí: su cintura es flexible palmera, son sus labios cual fino coral. Si ellas fueran caldereras, con sus ojos fundieran metal, metal, metal, metal |
Cultural Importance
The Boilermakers Festival in San Sebastián not only preserves a centuries-old tradition, but also highlights the community’s ability to revitalize and adapt its celebrations. It is a testimony of the festive and cultural spirit that characterizes the city, consolidating it as a reference in the preservation of its customs. This unique event brings together people of all ages and origins, who actively participate in the parades, parades and musical performances, contributing to the enrichment of the tradition.
The involvement of various local associations, together with institutional support, has allowed this festival to be kept alive over time, ensuring that new generations know and value its legacy. Furthermore, the Boilermakers Festival is not only a cultural symbol, but also an engine of social cohesion, promoting teamwork and a feeling of belonging among its participants.
For more information, visit the official website of Donostia Culture.
