The Tamborrada of San Sebastián: a festival to discover in the Southern Basque Country

Every year on January 20th, San Sebastián, the capital of Gipuzkoa, pulsates to the beat of drums. The Tamborrada is the most iconic event in the Southern Basque Country. From the Izada to the Arriada, passing through bustling pintxo bars, the Basque Country Guide takes you on a journey through a rich program highlighting an important history. Follow our tips to experience this unique and popular festival.

The history of the Tamborrada

To understand the fervor that animates the inhabitants of San Sebastián, one must go back to the beginning of the 19th century. In 1813, during the Spanish War of Independence, the city was occupied by Napoleonic troops. Various legends abound, but the most well-known tells of French soldiers proudly parading through the city streets, playing drums.

In response, the residents, and especially the women who fetched water from the fountains and the artisans, began to parody them. By banging on their water buckets, wine barrels, or wooden casks, they mocked the occupier's military discipline. As you might have guessed, what began as an act of resistance and derision has, over time, transformed into a celebration of freedom and the resilience of San Sebastián.

Today, this duality is reflected in the costumes: period military uniforms are combined with cooks' aprons for the party.

The sacred timing of the Tamborrada

The Tamborrada is a marathon that takes place over exactly two consecutive evenings in mid-January. The timing is precise, and for visitors, two key moments structure the festival.

The Izada: the raising of the flag at precisely midnight

It all began at midnight on the night of January 19th to 20th. A crowd gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución, in the historic heart of San Sebastián. On the balcony of the old town hall, city representatives prepared to raise the blue and white flag to the opening notes of Raimundo Sarriegui's famous "March of San Sebastián".

When the first beats of the drumsticks sound, the emotion is palpable. The square, packed with people, sings the words in unison. At that precise moment, the town is swept up in collective euphoria. It's the official start of the festivities.

The Arriada: an emotional farewell

The following evening, January 20th at midnight, the atmosphere shifts. Fatigue begins to set in. Nevertheless, the fervor remains undiminished for the Arriada, the lowering of the flag, marking the end of the official celebrations. It is often a more intimate and poignant moment, where locals sometimes shed a tear as they put away their baguettes for the next twelve months.

The bars are buzzing: the Pintxos and tapas marathon

While the rhythm of the drums sets the tempo, the energy of the participants is fueled by the legendary local cuisine. During the Tamborrada de San Sebastián, the bars of the Parte Vieja become the scene of frenetic activity. It is here that the expression " popular festival " takes on its full meaning.

Counters overflowing with treats

Forget formal sit-down meals: the Tamborrada is a standing affair, with a glass of Txakoli (local sparkling white wine) or Basque cider in hand. The counters literally disappear under mountains of pintxos. These small, gourmet bites are true works of art: grilled prawn skewers, mini beef cheek burgers, cod tarts, or the famous "Gilda" (chili, olive, and anchovy).

An electric and fraternal atmosphere

The experience is unique: you might find yourself ordering a tortilla pintxo side-by-side with a "cook" who's just put down his drum or a "soldier" in period uniform adjusting his tricorn hat. The close quarters are part of the charm. You squeeze in, share a corner of a high table, and toast with strangers while shouting "¡Gora Donostia!" (Long live San Sebastian!).

The actors of the Tamborrada festival

The Gastronomic Societies

The festival's exceptional organization is largely due to the renowned gastronomic societies (Sociedades). These private clubs, pillars of social life in Donostia, are the true heart of the Tamborrada. Each society has its own company, costumes, and route. During the festival, more than 150 companies (over 20,000 participants) parade through all the neighborhoods of San Sebastián.

The children

On the morning of January 20th, around noon, a spectacle unique in the world takes place: the Tamborrada Infante (Children's Drum Parade). Nearly 5,000 children from the city's schools march in the parade. It's an important moment for the transmission of Basque culture. The children are proud, focused, and wear their uniforms with remarkable seriousness. For families, it's the highlight of the day.

How to best enjoy the Tamborrada festival?

Transport and logistics

San Sebastian is a city best explored on foot, especially during the Tamborrada when many streets are closed to allow the parades to pass.

• Coming from France: the easiest way is to take the Topo (Euskotren) from Hendaye train station. It often runs on a more frequent schedule for the event and drops you off right in the city centre.
• The weather: January can be rainy on the coast. Pack warm and waterproof clothing.

Where to eat and where to sleep?

• In the old town, some establishments are packed. Don't hesitate to venture out towards the Gros district. The bars there are just as excellent, usually less crowded, and you'll run into locals in a more "neighborhood" atmosphere.
• Book your hotel several months in advance if you wish to spend the night of the 19th to the 20th there.

Why is the Tamborrada unique?

What distinguishes the Tamborrada from simple carnivals is its intergenerational nature. Although long reserved for men, the festival has become largely feminized. Today, men, women, and children beat the wood together in a demonstration of social cohesion where barriers disappear in favor of a shared rhythm.

Visiting San Sebastián on January 20th, you will not see a city crowded with tourists, but a community that celebrates its identity with disarming sincerity.

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