Are you ready for the San Sebastián Drum Festival? On January 20th, one of the city’s most important celebrations takes place in Donostia, and at LOCK & enjoy! we want to be by your side with our lockers in San Sebastián. Keep reading to learn more about this festivity and its offerings!
Origin and Significance of the San Sebastián Drum Festival
The origins of this festival are not entirely clear, as opinions vary. However, most historians trace its beginnings to the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1813).
According to history, city residents would regularly collect water from public fountains, a daily activity accompanied by singing and the sounds of drums improvised with the buckets used for collecting water. Remarkably, the Napoleonic troops who had invaded the city during the conflict joined in with their own military drums.
Moreover, January 20th is a local holiday in honour of the city’s patron saint, Saint Sebastian.
Today, the event features a series of parades with drums as the main protagonists, echoing throughout the city. The musical pieces heard are mostly composed by Raimundo Sarriegui in the 19th century, a renowned Spanish musician of that era. Participants drumming are dressed in Napoleonic military uniforms.
Programme
The San Sebastián Drum Festival lasts just one day, but the schedule is packed. We invite you to come to the city to experience a festival where culture, history, and art merge.
Flag Raising
This is the first act of the festival, taking place at Constitution Square at 00:00 on January 20th. It marks the start of the well-known March of San Sebastián.
Various drumming groups from different city neighbourhoods (Amara, Morlans, Riberas de Loyola, etc.) gather at the square, and each celebrates its own drum parade. However, since 1934, the Gaztelubide Drum Parade has been responsible for raising the flag. This is an institutional act that also involves local authorities.
It’s worth mentioning that this festivity was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
Just a 3-minute walk from the square, we have our lockers in the Old Part. We recommend you leave your belongings before the start time so that you can fully enjoy the night and the following day’s activities in Donosti.
Children’s Drum Parade
The city’s youngest residents play an indisputable role in this festival, as a Children’s Drum Parade is organised. This year, nearly 5,000 participants from a total of 48 entities and schools are registered.
This activity starts at 12:00 and travels through the main streets of central San Sebastián. The route is similar to previous years, starting at Alderdi Eder and ending at Gipuzkoa Square.
Flag Lowering
At 24:00 on the same day, January 20th, at Constitution Square, the city mayor lowers the flag to the sounds of the March of San Sebastián. Since 1957, this musical piece has been performed by the Unión Artesana Society, one of the city’s premier gastronomic societies.
A representative from each of the registered drum parades is invited to this event.
Citizen Merit Medals
In conjunction with the Drum Festival in San Sebastián, the City Council awards the Citizen Merit Medal to individuals or entities that have provided or are providing notable services to the city. This is an institutional event, but with a limit, as no more than 5 medals can be awarded per year. For example, in 2024, medals were awarded to organisations working for people with disabilities and companies with a long history of service in the city.
The ceremony takes place in the City Council Chamber on January 19th at 19:00.
Golden Drum
During the Children’s Drum Parade, the city also bestows its highest honour, the Golden Drum. This award is given to individuals or businesses that have promoted the city’s image abroad, as well as for their professional merits.
In previous editions, renowned chefs, artists, and business or sculptural figures have been honoured.
The event occurs on January 20th at 12:30 in the City Council Chamber.
Leisure
The San Sebastián Drum Festival is a day of celebration and festivity in the city, and therefore, a time to enjoy the tourist activities in San Sebastián.
For instance, you cannot leave without trying a pintxos tour in San Sebastián to taste the Basque cuisine in various bars and restaurants in the historic centre.
Additionally, once the flag-raising is over, there is plenty of activity in the pubs and cocktail bars in the city centre.
Enjoy the San Sebastián Drum Festival! We look forward to seeing you in Donosti, specifically at Sarriegi Plaza, 7.
Sevilla