San Sebastian

World renowned for its beautiful beaches, San Sebastian, located on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Region of Spain, is one of the most popular Spanish tourist attractions. In the Basque language San Sebastian is more commonly referred to as Donostia. San Sebastian is also home to one of the largest European film events, the San Sebastian International Film Festival. This film festival attracts artists and film producers from around the world to this lovely resort area.

One of the most celebrated festivals in the city of San Sebastian is Tamborrada or the feast of Saint Sebastian. It is held every year on January 20th and attracts thousands of people to the city. The celebration starts with the people of San Sebastian dressing as cooks and soldiers and marching around the city. At the same time other individuals play drums loudly, providing a festive air to the marching. Throughout the night the marchers stop to eat at special gourmet clubs that serve traditional seafoods and wines of the area. While historically an all-male event the feast of San Sebastian is now enjoyed by both men and women alike. In the morning, the children of San Sebastian wake up and partake in the celebration. The kids also dress as soldiers and march through the city and different schools may wear different uniforms during the event.

One of the most popular attractions in San Sebastian are the tapas or pintxos bars and restaurants located throughout the city as well as along the beach areas. In these local and smaller restaurants guests are provided with local wines as well as beers and drinks and the tapa or small appetizer type dishes provided with the drinks. Each tapas restaurant will serve its own specialized type of foods ranging from hot or cold seafood to fresh cheeses and meats. It is customary for people to travel from tapas to tapas sampling the wines, beers and foods available.

The sea plays a large part in the entertainment in the area. Beaches are ideal for swimming or just relaxing in the sun. Surfing and diving are popular pastimes, as is sailing and fishing. There are two major beaches splitting the coastal area of San Sebastian, La Concha is on the west side and La Zurriola is on the eastern side of the waterfront. For surfing and sailing La Zurriola provides the best waves and water, whereas La Concha is a bit more sheltered and ideal for swimming and boating.