Tamborrada Drum Carnival takes place annually on January 20 in the city of San Sebastian in Spain (region – Basque country). The official name of the holiday is Tamborrada de San Sebastian. Translated from Spanish, “tambor” means drum. Thus, this holiday in translation could be called a drumiad. Tamborrada is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Sebastian.

According to legend, this holiday originated in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. When Napoleon’s troops captured San Sebastian, they solemnly marched through the city center to the beat of drums, which left an indelible impression on the city’s residents. In response to the military, local residents also knocked on everything they could get their hands on. As a result, a tradition arose to hold a carnival on this day (January 20). All drummers taking part in the festival are divided into two large groups – one of them is dressed in costumes from the French military times of Napoleon, the other – in traditional folk costumes (cooks, water carriers, etc.).

Constitution Square of San Sebastian. The opening and closing ceremony of the festival takes place here

The carnival begins at 00:00 on the night of January 20th. The city flag is raised in the main square, musicians begin to play the anthem and other works. After this, carnival processions of mummers begin around the city, which continue all day. Drummers, to the accompaniment of wind instruments, knock on drums, barrels, and other objects. There is also a separate children’s parade and various special events (presentation of certificates and medals, etc.).

Tamborrada ends late at night, at 24:00 on January 20 in the central Constitution Square. To the sound of drums, the mayor of the city solemnly lowers the flag.

performance of drummer children at Tamborrada

From Barcelona you can get to San Sebastian by train or car. Travel time by car is about 7 hours. By train – five and a half hours.

If you are interested in carnivals, then you can also visit Carnival of Cultures in Berlin, Bohemian Carnival in Prague, La Merce Festival in Barcelona.