We were vaguely aware of San Sebastián Day (January 20th) but had forgotten so were pleased to discover that we’d be able to watch this huge event in the city calendar. Known as the Tamborrada it was going to be even more special as it was their centenary this time around.
The event began in 1836 as part of the local carnival; it wasn’t long before it became tradition to celebrate the patron saint’s day with drum parades in the streets of San Sebastián. At first the participants would dress up, but later they started wearing the same uniforms as the soldiers detailed to the city. The early uniforms reproduced those worn by the Gipuzkoan battalions who fought in the War of Independence and were similar to those of the French army. As the number of participants in the Tamborrada increased, other companies with different uniforms started to appear.
It kicks off at 12 o’clock midnight on the 19th in the Plaza de la Constitución, when the city flag is raised and then goes on for 24 hours! We didn’t have the energy to go out at midnight but we did catch up with it at points during the following day. Luckily the weather was favourable.
At 12 o’clock midnight on the 20th the Unión Artesana tamborrada lowers the flag and brings an end to the festivities until the following year.
