Ready for the Tamborrada of San Sebastian? On January 20 is celebrated in San Sebastian one of the most important festivals of the city and LOCK & enjoy! we want to be by your side with our Lockers in San Sebastian.Read on to learn more about this festival and its content!
Origin and meaning of the Tamborrada of San Sebastián
The origin of this celebration is not entirely clear, since there is a diversity of opinions. However, most historians place the beginning in the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1813).
According to the story, the inhabitants of the city went to collect water in the public fountains on a regular basis. Therefore, as it was a daily activity, it was accompanied by chants and the
In addition, January 20 is a local holiday in honor of the patron saint of the city: San Sebastian.
At present, a series of parades are held whose main protagonist are the drums that sound throughout the city. The musical pieces that are heard are mostly composed by Raimundo Sarriegui in the nineteenth century, a Spanish musician of reference during that time. The drummers are dressed in military costumes of the Napoleonic troops.
Programming
The Tamborrada of San Sebastian only lasts 1 day, however, the program is very complete. We invite you to come to the city to know a party where culture, history and art are mixed.
Flag Raising
It is the first act of this festivity and takes place in the Plaza de la Constitución at 00:00 hours on January 20. It is the starting point for what is known as the March of San Sebastian.
The tamborrada groups that have their headquarters in the different neighborhoods of the city (Amara, Morlans, Riberas de Loyola, etc.) go to the aforementioned square and, in addition, each one celebrates its own particular tamborrada. However, since 1934 the Tamborrada of Gaztelubide continues to be in charge of raising the flag. It is an institutional act in which the local authorities also participate.
We would like to mention that this festivity was declared in 2018 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Very close to the aforementioned square (3 minutes walk), we have our lockers in the Parte Vieja Lockers in the Old Town.. We recommend that you leave your belongings before the start time so that during that night and the following day you can enjoy all the activity in Donosti.
Children’s Tamborrada
The smallest of the city have an indisputable role in this party, since a Tamborrada Infantil (Children’s Tamborrada) is organized. This year almost 5,000 participants from a total of 48 organizations and schools have already registered.
This activity starts at 12:00 noon and runs through the main streets of downtown San Sebastian. The route is similar to other years, being Alderdi Eder the starting point and the Plaza de Gipuzkoa the end of the parade.
Flag lowering
At 24:00 hours of the same day 20, in the same Plaza de la Constitución, the mayor of the city hoists the flag while the sounds of the Marcha de San Sebastián. Since 1957 this musical piece is performed by the Sociedad Unión Artesana, one of the gastronomic societies par excellence of the city.
A representative of each of the tamborradas that have registered for the festival is invited to this event.
Citizen Merit Medals
On the occasion of the Tamborrada in San Sebastian, the City Council distinguishes with the Medal of Citizen Merit to a number of individuals or entities that have provided or provide outstanding services in the city. It is an institutional act, but with a series of limits, since no more than 5 medals can be awarded per year. For example, in 2024 they were awarded to entities that work in favor of people with limited capacities or to companies with a long history of providing services in the city.
The event will take place in the Plenary Hall of the City Hall of San Sebastian on January 19 at 19:00 hours.
Golden Drum
During the Tamborrada Infantil, the highest distinction is also awarded by the City Council, the so-called Tambor de Oro (Golden Drum). It is an award that is also given to people or companies that have promoted the image of the city abroad, as well as for their professional merits.
In previous editions, awards have been given to leading chefs, artists, entrepreneurs and sculptors, among others.
It takes place on January 20 at 12:30 p.m. in the Plenary Hall of the City Hall.
Leisure
The Tamborrada of San Sebastian is a day of celebration and festivities in the city and, therefore, a day to enjoy the tourist activities in San Sebastian.
For example, you can’t leave without doing a pintxo pintxos in San Sebastian to taste the Basque gastronomy in the different bars and restaurants in the historical center.
On the other hand, once the flag raising is over, there is a lot of activity in the pubs and bars in the city center.
Enjoy the Tamborrada of San Sebastian! We are waiting for you in Donosti, more specifically in Sarriegi Plaza, 7.
