La Tamborrada: The patron saint festival of San Sebastián
Every January 20 nearly 15,000 participants gather around more than 125 companies of between 20 and 50 drums celebrating San Sebastian Day. The festival of La Tamborrada begins at midnight on the 19th with the raising of the city's flag in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Already on the 20th and distributed among two distinct groups, the drummers, soldiers dressed in the Napoleonic uniforms that play the drum and the cooks and aguadoras, interpret barrels and strings the rhythms and melodies composed by Raimundo Sarriegui and other authors as Diana Retreat or Tatiago. It is worth noting that the March of San Sebastián was originally written by Serafín Baroja, father of Pío Baroja, famous Gipuzkoa writer belonging to the generation of '98.
Around 5,000 children also participate in the Tamborrada Infantil in an event in which the general and his assistants are chosen, as well as La Bella Easo Infantil and their bridesmaids.
The festival was born in 1836 as one of the comparsas of the San Sebastian carnival and since then it has undergone several evolutions in the clothing of the participants, but it is the moment in which the city delivers its most important prizes: El Tambor de Oro and the Medals of Merit Citizen of San Sebastián.
Do not miss this opportunity to visit San Sebastian during your employer's holidays!
Known for the quality of its gastronomic wealth, for hosting the Festival de Jazz de San Sebastián, a reference in the genre internationally or for treasuring a great traditional and contemporary heritage (El Peine del Viento, a sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, is one of the symbols of the city), San Sebastian can offer you a whole host of possibilities for you to enjoy a different and enjoyable day in this festivity.
Remember that if you want to enjoy this party you can travel with Monbus to San Sebastian on our regular buses from locations such as Barcelona, Lleida, Vigo or Verín, among others. If you prefer, gather your family or friends and rent a bus. You can also check our car rental service and organize the trip on your own.