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10 articles
Jazzaldia is Spain's oldest jazz festival and one of Europe's most beloved summer music events. Held in San Sebastián each year, it blends free concerts on Zurriola beach with ticketed performances in iconic venues like the Kursaal and Plaza de la Trinidad. This guide helps jazz lovers plan their trip, understand the different stages, and craft unforgettable day-by-day itineraries.
Jazzaldia, San Sebastián's summer jazz festival, mixes free beach concerts with ticketed shows in iconic venues. Here's how to plan your visit, understand the ticketing, and save with season passes.
Plan a visit to the San Sebastián International Film Festival, held each September in the Basque coastal city. This guide explains the competitive sections, the main venues around Kursaal and Victoria Eugenia Theatre, how to plan a screening schedule, and what to expect on tickets, accessibility, and getting around.
Planning your trip to the San Sebastián International Film Festival? This guide explains the programme's sections, venues, and how to search screenings by day. Learn how to handle overlapping films and where to check official updates.
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) is San Sebastián's biggest summer festival, held annually in August. This guide covers the fireworks competition, concerts, traditional sports, family activities, and practical tips for enjoying the celebration like a local.
Every January 20th, San Sebastián erupts in 24 hours of drumming. From the midnight flag-raising at Plaza de la Constitución to the final lowering, this guide covers how to watch, where to eat pintxos, and how to experience the festival even if you're not a society member.
Every December 21, Bilbao's Plaza Nueva and El Arenal fill with farmers, artisans, and families for the Santo Tomás Fair. Expect Basque cheeses, chistorra, talo, txakoli, and the sounds of txalaparta and trikitixa. This guide covers what to eat, where to go, and how to enjoy this pre-Christmas tradition.
Aste Nagusia, or Semana Grande, is Bilbao's biggest street festival, held for nine days in late August. From the rocket launch at the Arriaga Theatre to free concerts, txosnas along El Arenal, nightly fireworks, and parades of giants, it's a nonstop celebration of Basque culture. Learn what to expect, how to plan, and why you should join the crowds.
Bilbao BBK Live is one of Europe's most distinctive city festivals, set on the Kobetamendi hillside above Bilbao with views of the city and the Basque countryside. Held each July, this multi-genre event combines international headliners with deep electronic programming, Basque culture, and a strong sustainability ethos. Our guide covers the venue, getting there, tickets, accommodation, what to pack, and how to make the most of the surrounding city.
Bilbao's carnival, known locally as Aratuste, is a pre-Lenten celebration filled with parades, costume contests, and unique Basque traditions. Learn about the trial of Farolín and Zarambolas, the burning of the sardine, and how to plan your visit to this lively event in the Basque Country.
