San Sebastian day otherwise known as "Dia San Sebastian" is back after a 2 year hiatus!

20th January celebrates the Patron Saint of San Sebastian and it's one of the most beloved days for local Donostiarras. The official start to the amazing 24hr fiesta is midnight 00.00 when the city's iconic blue and white flag is raised and the city fires up.

We head to the nucleus of the "Old Part" Plaza Constitution where the official celebration kicks off. Tamborradas, drumming with local dancers and singers.  It is a completely unique experience and the atmosphere is absolutely electric. It's usually a cold night and this years not looking any different but we have never really had an issue with the freezing or the wet, it comes with the territory.

Over the next 24hrs the whole community will be out in force celebrating through the streets of the city with an open door policy on the usually private cooking societies.

And what's with all the drumming?

Arguably the drums and dress up all started back in 1836 in the local carnival celebrating San Sebastian day but for the drumming tradition you have to go way back when.....
Rumour has it the French soldiers, brass band in tow were marching through the city showing off. The local chefs and artisans used to come out taking the mickey by banging barrels imitating the soldiers and there you have it!

There are now around 150 different Tamborradas in San Sebastián who all have an designated area and time that they play and march through the city. Each Tamborrada is made up of a mix of soldiers and chefs each with up to 50 drums and 100 barrels  accompanied by a brass band and flag-bearers bringing one huge winter tune and party to the streets of Donostia.

We are open all year round, if you would like more details on all our adventures please get in touch. [email protected]

YES Autumn might just be our favourite time of the year in San Sebastian!

This season September, October, November in the Basque Country is ticking all the boxes.

Here's our "TOP 10 REASONS" why you should book your trip post Summer.

1. It's probably the driest months of the year, yes folks it rains in San Sebastian but consistently less in Autumn than Spring.
2. The weathers still on point, between 18 - 30 degrees. Fresh mornings, sunny, hot days and cool nights, is there anything better?
   
3. The sea's still warm so Swimming, Sailing, Surfing and Stand up paddleboarding are all on the cards.
4. It's harvest time which means if you like wine  a visit to La Rioja is an absolute must. See the inner workings of the wineries at their most exciting when all the magic happens. An absolute treat to see the art of vino.
5. They don't call it the beautiful Basque Country for nothing and rolling into Autumn it's spectacular, whether it's hiking inland or out on the coast, bike rides through the woods or exploring up into France on those clear cut days.
6. It's a whole lost quieter, Summers finished and there's a relaxed vibe everywhere from the beaches to the bars.
7. Less people means it's easier to get into exclusive hotels, restaurants and visit our favourite pintxo spots.
8. It's swell season, after days and days of small surf September is when those ground swells start to roll in and the whole coast lights up.
9. There's still so much going on with the San Sebastian International film festival in September being a full highlight.
10. It's sunset time, brooding red skies for days & days.

We are open all year round, if you would like more details on all our adventures please get in touch. [email protected]