Culture in San Sebastián: experience tradition and modernity

San Sebastián isn’t just a haven for food and nature lovers—it’s a city alive with cultural energy. From globally renowned film festivals to vibrant traditional celebrations, the best cultural events in San Sebastián showcase the city’s artistic spirit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, cinema buff, or music lover, this guide highlights the unmissable events that make the city sparkle.

San Sebastián International Film Festival (September): this world-class event is one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, drawing stars, cinephiles, and storytellers from around the globe.

What to expect: A mix of glamour and artistic discovery, with premieres of groundbreaking international films, director Q&A sessions, and star-studded red-carpet moments.
Highlights: Imagine an open-air screening at Kursaal Palace under the stars, with the waves of the Bay of Biscay providing the soundtrack. The Donostia Awards, honoring legends of cinema, bring heartfelt speeches and standing ovations in an elegant celebration of film.
Tip: Secure tickets early—popular screenings sell out fast. Between films, take a stroll along La Concha promenade or savor pintxos in the Old Town.

If you want to stay at the heart of the cultural scene, we recommend One Shot Tabakalera House, home to the Zabaltegi section of the festival. You’ll enjoy a unique atmosphere surrounded by art and culture, just a short walk from the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Jazzaldia: San Sebastián Jazz Festival (July): Jazzaldia transforms the city into a haven of music, blending the soulful sounds of world-renowned artists with the city’s natural beauty.

What to expect: Free beachside concerts, atmospheric performances in intimate venues, and vibrant late-night jam sessions.
Highlights: Picture yourself on Zurriola Beach at sunset, surrounded by fellow jazz lovers as the soothing notes of a saxophone fill the air. In historic clubs, artists from around the globe share the stage with local talent, creating moments of pure musical magic.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket for the beach concerts and arrive early to secure a spot close to the stage for the free performances.

Tamborrada (January): Tamborrada is the heart and soul of San Sebastián’s cultural calendar, a festival where the beat of drums unites the city in celebration of its Basque heritage.

What to expect: Parades of drummers dressed in traditional costumes, rhythmic Basque melodies echoing through the streets, and a lively, festive atmosphere.
Highlights: Experience the grand opening ceremony in the Old Town’s Plaza de la Constitución, where the sound of hundreds of drums reverberates against the historic facades. Join the community feasts afterward, indulging in Basque specialties like txakoli and bacalao al pil-pil.
Tip: Arrive early to find a spot with a clear view of the parade and soak in the infectious energy of the crowd.

Other Notable Events

Herri Urrats (May): A joyful celebration of Basque language and culture by Lake Senpere, featuring traditional dance performances, live music, and artisan markets.
Semana Grande (August): The city comes alive with parades, live music, and spectacular fireworks honoring its patron saint.

A day at Jazzaldia
It’s a warm July evening as you make your way to Zurriola Beach, your picnic blanket in hand. The stage is set against a backdrop of golden sand and rolling waves, and as the sun dips below the horizon, the first notes of a trumpet cut through the evening air. You sit among a sea of festival-goers, all swaying to the rhythm as the beach transforms into an open-air concert hall.

Afterward, you venture into the Old Town, drawn by the sound of music spilling out of a historic venue. Inside, a quartet is performing an intimate set, their passion and skill palpable. Later, you stumble upon a jam session in a cozy bar, where local and visiting musicians improvise together, creating melodies that seem to capture the spirit of San Sebastián itself.

The best cultural events in San Sebastián are more than just occasions—they’re opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant traditions and creative energy. From the glamour of the International Film Festival to the soulful melodies of Jazzaldia and the rhythmic pride of Tamborrada, each event offers a new way to connect with San Sebastián’s unique character. Come for the festivals, stay for the memories, and leave with your heart full of inspiration.