Semana Grande San Sebastián
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia in Basque) is San Sebastián's biggest annual celebration, transforming the elegant coastal city into a week-long party every August. Centred around the International Fireworks Competition over La Concha Bay, the festival combines world-class pyrotechnics with concerts, traditional Basque sports, street theatre and gastronomy. It's the cultural highlight of summer in the Basque Country.
Highlights
Semana Grande offers a rare combination of world-class entertainment and intimate city charm. The fireworks alone are worth the trip — watching pyrotechnic masterpieces explode over one of Europe's most beautiful bays is unforgettable. Add San Sebastián's legendary food scene (more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere), gorgeous beaches, and warm Basque hospitality, and you have one of Spain's most rewarding summer festivals.
Date & Schedule
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates 2027 | 14 – 22 August 2027 |
| Opening | Cañonazo (cannon shot) from Monte Urgull |
| Fireworks | Nightly at 22:30 over La Concha Bay |
| Location | San Sebastián (Donostia), Basque Country |
The festival runs for a full week, anchored by the Virgin of the Assumption on 15 August. Activities run from morning until late at night across multiple venues.
Location
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) sits on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain. The festival spreads across the city, with fireworks launched from the island of Santa Clara in the centre of La Concha Bay. Key venues include the Plaza de la Constitución, Boulevard, and the Kursaal congress centre.
Key Events & Highlights
- International Fireworks Competition — Teams from different countries compete nightly with spectacular 20-minute displays over La Concha Bay, best viewed from the beach or Monte Igueldo
- Concerts and live music — Major artists perform at outdoor stages, with many free concerts in the streets and plazas
- Basque rural sports (Herri Kirolak) — Stone lifting, log chopping, tug-of-war and other traditional competitions
- Regattas — Traditional trainera rowing races in the bay
- Street theatre and dance — Giants and big-heads (gigantes y cabezudos) parade through the old town, along with txistularis (traditional Basque musicians)
- Gastronomic events — Special pintxos routes, cooking competitions and txakoli tastings
Gallery
Video
History & Origins
Semana Grande dates back to the 1870s, evolving from the traditional festivities honouring the Virgin of the Assumption. The International Fireworks Competition began in 1963 and quickly became the festival's signature event, attracting top pyrotechnic companies from around the world. The festival grew alongside San Sebastián's reputation as a cultural capital, especially after the city was named European Capital of Culture in 2016.
What to Expect
San Sebastián during Semana Grande is vibrant but manageable compared to larger festivals. The atmosphere is festive yet sophisticated, reflecting the city's refined character. Expect warm but not extreme weather (around 25°C), crowded beaches, and packed pintxos bars. Dress is casual-smart — light summer clothing during the day, with a jacket for cool Atlantic evenings. Bring a blanket to sit on the beach for fireworks viewing.
How to Get There
- By train: Renfe connects San Sebastián to Madrid (5.5h by high-speed AVE) and Barcelona. The station is a 15-minute walk from La Concha beach
- By plane: San Sebastián Airport (EAS) has limited connections; Bilbao Airport (BIO) is 100 km away with regular bus service
- By car: Well connected via the AP-8 motorway. Parking is scarce during the festival — use park-and-ride facilities
- By bus: ALSA and other companies connect San Sebastián to major Spanish cities
Tips & Advice
- Is it free? Most events are free, including the fireworks competition. Some concerts require tickets
- Where to watch fireworks? La Concha beach offers the best views. Monte Igueldo provides a panoramic perspective. Arrive early (by 21:00) for a good spot
- Do I need to book accommodation early? Yes — San Sebastián is small and extremely popular. Book at least 3-4 months ahead
- Can I combine it with Aste Nagusia in Bilbao? Yes, Bilbao's Aste Nagusia is the following week, making for a perfect Basque double-header
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
July
BBK Live
BBK Live is one of Spain's top music festivals, set on Mount Cobetas above Bilbao with stunning views of the Basque coastline. Three days of major international and Spanish acts across rock, indie, and electronic music, just minutes from the Guggenheim city.
August
Aste Nagusia
Aste Nagusia (Great Week) is Bilbao's biggest annual celebration. For nine days in August, the Basque city transforms with concerts, fireworks, street theatre, and the beloved Marijaia figure presiding over it all. It's a free, open festival with incredible energy.
September
San Sebastián Film Festival
The San Sebastián Film Festival (SSIFF) is one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, held annually in September in Donostia-San Sebastián, with premieres, industry activity, and public screenings.
January
Tamborrada de San Sebastián
At the stroke of midnight on 20 January, the entire city of San Sebastián erupts into drums. The Tamborrada is one of Spain's most extraordinary traditions: for exactly 24 hours, over 15,000 drummers in more than 100 companies parade through the streets, playing without pause until midnight strikes again. Dressed as soldiers and cooks, they honour their patron saint — San Sebastián — in a thunderous celebration that defines Basque identity and civic pride.