Colors of San Sebastian - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The city of San Sebastian, being an old select resort, features numerous original peculiarities. Unique architecture, rich cultural life and the highest density of Michelin stars per square meter of the resort area are the main attractions of the popular Spanish city for tourists. The city is often called a small Paris as the area of the resort was developed after the capital of France. As far back as 18th century the resort city was of great popularity among local aristocracy. The resort was an established place of rest and recreation for imperial families and for legendary leaders and governors.

The popularity of the resort among aristocracy explains plenty of upscale restaurants and clubs, local guest houses are considered to be the best ones in the world. The highest density of the upscale restaurants rewarded with Michelin stars attracts even more of fastidious gourmands and genuine connoisseurs of haute cuisine.

The resort city holds several remarkable cultural events of global significance during the year. The San Sebastian International Film Festival is one of such global events. The festival was first held in 1953 upon an initiative of local businessmen. The aim of the festival was to prolong a tourist season on the resort and thus to attract more tourists to the destination. The event was of great success and since that time the festival has been held on a regular basis. An established place of holding of the festival is a building of the Kursaal Congress Center by Rafael Moneo which is located not far from a popular beach of the resort. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Jazzaldia event being the San Sebastian’s Jazz Festival attracts music fans from all over the world to the resort. The festival was started in 1965. The event takes place in July and lasts for about 3 weeks. This scale music event engages numerous outstanding musicians and singers. The city of San Sebastian offers its foreign guests to take part in numerous country and ethnic fests. The most wanted celebration among foreign tourists is the St. Sebastian’s Feast Day being devoted to the patron saint of the city.

The holiday is celebrated on the 20th of January. The main event of the festival is the Tamborrada of Donostia. A festive march of young musicians of local music schools moves through the central streets of the city announcing the beginning of the fest with drumming. Commonly the festive march engages over five thousands of youngsters. The bright and solemn opening of the festival is succeeded with a number of various concerts and street performances. Folk fest lasts till the late night. Kids participating in the festival add to its originality and grandness.

Those who are fans of classical music should visit San Sebastian in August, as this is the time when the wonderful event Quincena Musical takes place. It is remarkable not only because familiar names can be found among its performers (and they are well-known even to those who are not keen on symphonic music), but also because the event is one of the oldest European festivals dedicated to the classics. Here you can listen and enjoy the works in their original sound, and processed in a modern way. Visitors of the event are pleased not only by orchestras but also by solo performers, as well as ballet troupes. The festival is also interesting for children: for example, a special children’s concert is organized as part of the holiday. Concerts are also held in one of the most remarkable places in the city – the palace Kursaal.

The beginning of September is marked by a colorful event – Regatta La Concha. This spectacular rowing competition starts at the bay of the same name – this is where most of the visitors gather, some of whom have come especially to witness the spectacle of the regatta. Those who could not be present at the holiday, “stick” to their TV screens, as the colorful event is broadcasted on all TV channels. Many people book themed excursions and rent luxury yachts at this time – and you can also follow their example, especially since such leisure will bring only the most pleasant impressions.

Those that arrived at the beginning of October are also lucky because they will be able to appreciate the excellent cuisine of the region: at this time, San Sebastian’s main culinary event, called Gastronomika, takes place. About seventy chefs engage in the very tightly contested gastronomic event for the right to be the best. In addition to culinary competitions, they conduct master classes and consultations for all who are interested, but visitors, of course, will be able to taste different culinary delights. All of these happen right in the palace Kursaal. In addition, as part of the festival, an exhibition of food and beverages, as well as industrial equipment for cooking, is open in one of the halls of the complex. Here, businessmen can demonstrate ideas to the rest of the world, and also make a bargain by finding a market.

Another interesting event for tourists is the Dferia fair, a festival that “opens” the summer cultural season. During this time, bright theater and dance performances are organized at various venues in the city. In addition to the fair, presentations, meet-and-greets, as well as conferences where topical issues are discussed, are made available to the visitors of the theater fair. The main indoor venue is the Victoria Eugenia Theater, while the rest of the other activities are conducted in the open-air. In addition to the already mentioned film festival, which is known worldwide, two more film events are also held in San Sebastian (or Donostia, as the locals call it). They are the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (dates held – late October or early November) and the Human Rights Film Festival (traditionally held in early April).