The Tamborrada de San Sebastian is celebrated every year on January 20th.
The name of the holiday can be translated as «Drums» (from the word «tambor» – «drum»). In other words, Tamborrada – is the day of drummers and any percussion instruments. Residents of San Sebastian dedicate the holiday to the patron saint of the city –, Saint Sebastian.
There are different versions of the origin of this holiday. According to the most popular of them, Tamborrada dates back to Napoleonic times. As Bonaparte's army troops passed through the besieged city, they knocked on the drums, and local water carriers responded with a knock on their barrels. Therefore, two groups of drummers participate in the modern celebration: one dressed in historical costumes of the Napoleonic army, and the other – dressed as cooks and water carriers.
Tamborrada begins at midnight on January 19 with the raising of the city's flag in Constitution Square. The musicians begin to play the march of San Sebastian. Then it’s the turn of other compositions. Throughout the day, processions move around the city, in which mummers take part, playing drums or barrels. They are accompanied by a brass band.
On the morning of January 20, the city streets are occupied by a children's parade. It is headed by the general and his assistants chosen right there, as well as the Beauty Easo (La Bella Easo – unofficial name of San Sebastian) and her ladies-in-waiting. On the same day, awards are presented to distinguished citizens and organizations at the city hall.
At midnight on January 20, citizens gather again on Constitution Square, where the last drum marches – are performed this time by the Union of Craftsmen. Exactly at midnight, the mayor of San Sebastian lowers the flag – holiday ends.
Other cities in Spain also host tamborradas dedicated to other dates and with their own characteristic features. Most often they take place during Holy Week.