the TAMBORRADA of SAN SEBASTIÁN

If San Sebastián stands out for anything – besides its unquestionable beauty – it is for the traditions that, over the years, have become its hallmark and that donostiarras – the demonym of the inhabitants – proudly display. Like the Tamborrada, an exciting celebration, vibrant and full of illusion, pays tribute to the history and culture of this city, organized by craft guilds, gastronomic societies, and cultural entities.

1. HOW THE TAMBORRADA IS CELEBRATED

Every January 20th at 12:00 a.m. begins the most important festivity for the donostiarras: the Day of San Sebastián. The first act of this celebration is the city flag raising, organized in the Plaza de la Constitución and accompanied by the gastronomic society Gaztelubide. This community is in charge of playing for the first time the Marching Song of San Sebastián every year.

For 24 hours and in honor of the city’s Patron Saint, adults and children proudly walk – playing their drums and barrels – through the city streets. This moment of the year, truly unique for them, ends at 12:00 a.m. of January 21st with the lowering of the flag. In this case, the Unión Artesana society is responsible for singing the march song in the same square where the celebration begins.

The different companies of the adult Tamborrada go across the streets of San Sebastián for a whole day, accompanied by the melodies of the composer Raimundo Sarriegui. The most curious thing to see in this beautiful parade is the costumes of the participants: the drum major – Tambor Mayor -, the central figure since he leads the Tamborrada; the soldiers, who dress as Napoleonic soldiers; the cantineras, always accompanying the standard bearers; the gastadores, who carry giant cutlery on their shoulders, followed by the cooks; and the aguadoras, representing the women who go to fetch water.

The children’s Tamborrada begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Town Hall of San Sebastián and, their uniform represents the infantry, artillery, cavalry and engineers. That of the girls symbolizes the cantineras and the standard bearers. After an hour of playing with their drums and barrels different songs, they start their journey through the city center, ending in the gardens of Alderdi Eder.

3. WHERE TO SEE THE TAMBORRADA

The Tamborrada of San Sebastián goes through all the city’s neighborhoods. From Alza, going across Gros and Egia, reaching the Old Town and the city center, and continuing through Amara and Antiguo, you can enjoy this tradition in every corner. Organize your own route and make the most of San Sebastián Day!

At that time, the gastronomic societies raised the flag themselves – in many cases, the society’s flag – at their headquarters. But in 1924, the tradition changed. The city’s flag raising was in the Plaza de la Constitución, in the square of the Town Hall. In 1947, the first event of the Tamborrada took place in Alderdi Eder, as the Town Hall moved there. But since the 50’s decade, the Tamborrada of San Sebastián always begins and ends in the Plaza de la Constitución.

5. HISTORY OF SAN SEBASTIAN

The Tamborrada of San Sebastián is more than an annual celebration; it represents the city’s history, resistance, and cultural identity. Through music, costumes, and camaraderie, the Tamborrada continues to be a beloved event that connects donostiarras in a unique celebration.

If you’re in town the weekend of January 19, you can’t miss San Sebastián Day. Get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that will echo in your memory long after the drums and barrels have stopped beating! In addition, the city offers you endless plans and activities to make the most of your next trip. Discover them in San Sebastián guides!

6. LEARN THE LYRICS OF THE MARCH SONG!

Here we leave you the March song of San Sebastián – in Basque and its translation in English – so you can feel like one more in this beautiful tradition.