San Sebastian: Calendar of Events

January 20th
San Sebastian Day is a traditional Basque party that is considered the best according to the locals.

February
Caldereros: Commemorates Hungarian tinkers announcing carnival in two weeks.

Carnival: The biggest party outside of Rio and Bourbon Street. Fancy dress, parades, and fiesta!

June - October
Village Fiestas: Surrounding villages celebrate their local "Fiestas"

July
San Fermin (July 6th- 14th): Every year in Pamplona (50 minutes away) one of the biggest parties in the world kicks off with the running of the bulls.

Jazz Festival (July 24th-29th): The 36th annual Jazz Festival will feature an All-star cast of Jazz performers: Charlie Haden, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Gato Barbieri, Joe Zawinul, The Brecker Brothers, Ray Brown, and Ahmad Jamal are just a few of the performers. Many of these musicians have never been to the festival in its 35 year history.

August
Semana Grande: The main celebration in San Sebastian showcases fireworks over the bay, concerts, an open air cinema, and around the clock partying along the streets.

Quincena Music Fortnight: This fortnight is actually a one month long opera, dance, and symphony extravaganza that takes place in the local churches, theaters, and parks.

September
International Film Festival (20th-29th): The annual film festival featuring films from around the world. An international jury selects the best film, actress, actor, and screenplay. Other prizes presented are for best Latin Film, Basque Youth Film, and the audience gets into the act by selecting its favorite film.

Fishing Boat Regatta (September 2nd and 9th): La Concha Bay, San Sebastian is where the season's best performing regatta teams will compete for the Bandera de La Concha prize.

Surf World Series (14th-23rd)

October
Folklore Festival (3rd week) features international dance and musical folklore groups.

November
Bach Festival (3rd week): John Sebastian Bach concerts.

December
Santo Tomas (21st): The country and city folks get together for a huge party in San Sebastian.

Click here to take a virtual tour of San Sebastian: 360° views throughout the city!

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