Horror and Fantasy Film Festival - Donostia - San Sebastián

The Horror and Fantasy Film Festival is held from the 31st of October to the 6th of November. It features an official section, a short film section and a section on children’s films.

In addition to cinema, the competition also offers a programme of street theatre, exhibitions, courses on comics, and concerts.

More information at:
http://www.sansebastianhorrorfestival.com

San Sebastián International Film Festival - From Sep 18, 2015 to Sep 26, 2015

"Donostiako Zinemaldia", in Basque, "Festival de Cine de San Sebastian" in Spanish.

For another year Donostia will host the San Sebastián International Film festival, an event that has been held every year in September since its first edition in 1953.

This festival is one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised in Spain, and big names in film, both actors and directors, have attended to present their movies, making for a glamorous, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Apart from the different prizes awarded in the various sections, since 1986 the Donostia Prize has been awarded in recognition of those who have contributed to the world of film through their careers.

More information at:
http://www.sansebastianfestival.com

Euskal Jaiak - Basque Festivities

  

The Euskal Jaiak (Basque Festivities) take place in the beginning of September.

During these days, you will be able to enjoy different events related to Basque culture. Musical and sporting activities and the best Basque cuisine are the main attractions.

The Sagardo Eguna (cider day) should also be mentioned as it is one of the most important activities of Euskal Jaiak.

Estropadak - Rowing competition in La Concha Bay

Every year, Estropadak, the regatas or boat races of San Sebastian take place on the first two Sundays of September in La Concha Bay.

It is the most prestigious rowing competition of the season, and many people come to Donostia to enjoy the regatas and the great atmosphere that invades the city.

The spectators gather on the hills around the bay, Urgull and Igeldo, along Paseo Nuevo, the Quay and on the island, the beaches and in every possible type of craft to watch the regatas.

A crew is made up of thirteen oarsmen and the cox, who faces them at the stern. The origins of this sport date back to the XIV and XV centuries when the crew was essential for whaling. During that time, these crafts were probably used for the anchovy, sardine and other fishing seasons. It seems that the origin of the regatas stems from the rivalry among fishermen who struggled to arrive first in the port in order to sell their fish.

Also, it should be noted that whales were fished in abundance along these coasts. Every time a whale was seen from the hills, the alarm was raised for the fishermen to go out, and they also struggled to be the first to reach the whale. This was the seed of the competition.

The crafts are called trainera in Spanish, pronounced ‘try-nera’ if you’re an English speaker.

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/