31 de agosto - Siege of San Sebastian

31st of August 1813 was a terrible day for San Sebastian. That fatal day, allied Anglo-Portuguese troops marched into San Sebastian and the city was completely destroyed. They burned the whole city, many inhabitants were killed and most women were raped.

Only the streets between Santa Maria and San Vicente churches survived, and every 31st of August, many events take place to remember this tragedy and to honour the inhabitants of San Sebastian.

For this reason, the name of this street is 31 de agosto, whichs means 31st of August.

Great Week - Aste Nagusia

One of the biggest festivals of the San Sebastian Summer Calendar is about to begin. Aste Nagusia in basque, Semana Grande in Spanish, the Great Week, will start with the traditional firing of the cannon in Alderdi Eder gardens (Town Hall) next Saturday 8th of August at 19:00.

San Sebastian’s Great Week takes place every summer and it lasts seven days, always including the 15th of August among its dates. It will fill the city with celebration, with big concerts, fairground rides for children, bullfighting and many other activities scheduled throughout the week.

The origin of the Great Week dates back to the 19th century, when this festival was organised to entertain the aristocracy that stayed in the city for their holiday.

Apart from the Great Week organised by the Town Hall, there is an alternative program, developed by "Donostiako Piratak" ("Pirates from San Sebastian" in basque), a group formed by young people and many other collectives, who organise many other activities. Among them, one of the most important event is the "abordaje" (the pirate boarding), where hundreds of young people dressed as pirates launch into the water and paddle toward La Concha Beach. They will leave from the port next monday, 10th of August, at 17:00.

The International Firework Contest is one of the most important events of this festival. It draws firework manufacturers from all over the world who puts on their best display every night at 10:45 in La Concha Bay.

Our favourite places to see the Fireworks are:

- The apartment. Even though you will not be able to see the low fireworks, this is one of the best places to see them. It is a privilege to have such a good display in front of your terrace!

- La Concha beach.

- Urgull: Bateria de las Damas.

Also, music has an important place in the festival. Great musical stars gather in the capital of Gipuzkoa.

As far as sports is concerned, it is worth mentioning the classic swimming crossing from Getaria to San Sebastian, horse races, the beach-volleyball tournament and "herri-kirolak" exhibitions (Basque rural sports).

Furthermore, children will have at their disposal workshops, games, gigantes and cabezudos parades, disco, toros de fuego (fire bulls), and so on.

We hope you enjoy it!

More information at:

• Great Week 2015 program and  
• Donostiako Piratak - Pirates from San Sebastian (available only in basque)

Quincena Musical / Musika Hamabostaldia

Every August, the Musical Fortnight comes back to San Sebastian.

Since 1939, this classical music season takes in a broad range of styles and composers. It takes place on various stages around the city, with the Kursaal Centre being the main venue.

Apart from the Kursaal Centre, other venues include the Principal Theatre, the old churches and Miramar Palace. Opera, classical ballet, symphony concerts and medieval and contemporary music are some of the styles that are protagonists at the event.

Althought it is called Musical fornight it is held from the 1st to the 30th of August,a period in which more than a hundred concerts and shows are offered on several stages.

More information: http://www.quincenamusical.eus/en/