San Sebastián International Film Festival

Celebrated since 1953, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals of Europe. A lot of hollywood stars have made appearances at the festival such as Elizabeth Taylor, Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt. In 2018, the festival will be celebrated from September 21st – 29th.

The Tamborrada

Also known as San Sebastian Day, is the city’s most important festival. It starts on January 20th at midnight when the mayor raises the city’s flag in the packed Constitution Square and starts 24 hours of non-stop drumming. More than 15,000 donostiarras that belong to over 100 bands, actively take part in the drumming.

Aste Nagusia (Big Week)

Another important festival celebrated every August in San Sebastian is the Aste Nagusia (Big Week). During the week of August 15, from Saturday to Saturday, the donostiarras take to the streets for one of the city’s biggest festivals. There is an international fireworks competition, parades of gigantes and cabezudos, live music, food competitions, basque dance and sports exhibitions, etc.