On Saturday, August 10 begins one of the most important festivals in Spain: the Semana Grande de San Sebastian. In LOCK & enjoy! we could not miss this appointment and, therefore, we explain in this post everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
We already have Lockers in San Sebastian! We are located in the Parte Vieja, more specifically in Sarriegi Plaza, 7. We will be waiting for you from August 10th.
What was the origin?
The city of San Sebastian suffered a fire in 1813 and, as a result, lost its status as a military and commercial center. This fact caused it to become a city devoted to tourism, but only in summer. The great majority of people who came to the city came for its beaches. However, the competent authorities and the private initiative looked for other incentives so that the beach was not the only and main advantage.
The aim of organizing other activities and events was to extend the stay of visitors. Over the years, tourism declined for historical, economic and political reasons, therefore, the Semana Grande of San Sebastian became a cultural and popular expression more directed to the locals than to the elites of previous times.
Live the Semana Grande of San Sebastian!
We would like to emphasize that this is the main festival of Donostia. Although the duration has varied over the years, it has always been celebrated on August 15, coinciding with the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.
The festivities begin on Saturday, August 10 and end on August 17. A whole week full of activities that we explain in this article for you to choose the one you like the most.
Fireworks competition
The fireworks shows occupy a very prominent place in the program of the Semana Grande of San Sebastian, since they are launched every day from the Bay of La Concha.
The start time is at 22:45 hours and lasts approximately 30 minutes. From LOCK & enjoy! we recommend that you go before the indicated time, since there are many people around and, therefore, it will be difficult to find a good place to enjoy.
The companies in charge of the pyrotechnics are subject to the vote of the popular jury to choose the winner. to choose the winner. All the companies are well known nationally and internationally and also have different products and techniques, so the show and fun are more than assured on any given day.
Cannon fire
Unlike what happens in the festivities of other cities, in Donostia there is no proclamation as such that marks the beginning of the festivities. In this case, there is a live and real event in which the fuse of a cannon is lit. Those in charge of the preparation are a group of people dressed in military costumes of the time, whose protagonist is the Artillero Mayor.
It will be held on August 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the gardens Alderdi Eder. Once the noise of the cannon shot ends, the song Artillero dale fuego (Gunner, give fire) is performed; a popular song interpreted by different local groups.
Concerts
Concerts are also another of the most important elements in the Semana Grande of San Sebastian. The reason is that they attract a good number of people, since they are free.
All start at 23:45 hours in the Plaza de Tomás Alba (Sagües) and last approximately 90 minutes. Singers and musical groups have already confirmed their attendance:
- August 10: Amparanoia & Artistas del Gremio.
- August 11: Esne Beltza.
- August 12: Ben Yart + Kiliki Frexko & Brava Showcase.
- August 13: Nil Moliner.
- August 14: Totally Tina! Tribute to Tina Turner.
- August 15: Nøgen.
- August 16: Los Zigarros.
- August 17: La La Love You.
The variety of musical genres makes the concerts stand out for their originality and diversity. Book a Luggage storage at LOCK & enjoy! – Old Part to take care of your belongings during the night in San Sebastian.
We would like to point out that in the square where the concerts are held you have a wide range of foodtrucks to buy food and drinks during the night.
Attractions and fairs
On Urdaneta Street and Paseo Nuevo you can enjoy the popular attractions, both for adults and children, such as the Ferris wheel or the bumper cars.
They are open to the public every day during the Semana Grande from 11:00 to 14:00 hours and from 16:00 to 01:00 hours. Please note that the busiest days will be the two weekends.
Sports activities
Sports tournaments could not miss this important holiday either. A series of competitions in a wide range of sports are held in different parts of the city.
The most popular is the Classic of San Sebastian. It is a cycling competition of great notoriety, since it was once part of the Cycling World Cup. The route covers 236 kilometers in which cyclists will have to face up to seven mountain passes.
However, there are also sailing regattas, handball, beach volleyball or horse racing.
Other activities
We recommend that you get lost in the central streets and enjoy the many activities that are everywhere. For example, the charangas, the batucada or the parade of giants and big heads.
In addition, if you like craft fairs, we recommend you to visit the agricultural products fair in Loiola Street. You can also participate in one of the guided tours in canoes on the Urumea River.
In short, Come and get to know San Sebastian!
We would like to point out that opening our Luggage storage facility in San Sebastian is another step is yet another step in our history of history of leadership and a new impulse as a leader in the intelligent Lockers market.
Take advantage of the discounts and promotions on our website for early booking. We look forward to seeing you on August 10th at the opening.
