San Sebastián’s Semana Grande: History, Tradition and the City’s Most Celebrated Summer Festival

Every summer, San Sebastián comes alive with a celebration that brings together tradition, culture and unforgettable moments by the sea: Semana Grande.

For a few days, the city transforms as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate one of San Sebastián’s most cherished festivals. It is a time for leisurely walks along La Concha Bay, gathering with family and friends, watching spectacular fireworks over the sea, and embracing the city’s renowned gastronomy as an essential part of the celebration.

Yet Semana Grande is much more than a summer festival. Behind its traditions, shared moments and vibrant atmosphere lies a history that explains why, year after year, it remains one of the most eagerly anticipated events on San Sebastián’s calendar.

A Celebration Rooted in History

Known locally as Aste Nagusia, Semana Grande was created to establish a major summer celebration that would bring energy to the city while offering cultural events and leisure activities for both San Sebastián’s residents and the many visitors who spend their summers here.

Over the years, it has grown into one of the city’s defining celebrations, preserving many of its most iconic traditions while naturally evolving with each new generation.

Throughout the festival, San Sebastián reveals one of its most welcoming sides. Streets, squares and seaside promenades fill with concerts, performances, family activities and lively gatherings that reflect the city’s warm and open spirit.

How to Experience Semana Grande in San Sebastián

Everyone experiences Semana Grande in their own way, but some traditions have become an essential part of the celebration.

One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is undoubtedly the San Sebastián International Fireworks Competition. Each evening, La Concha Bay becomes a spectacular natural amphitheatre as thousands of people gather to watch the night sky come alive above the sea.

But Semana Grande is about much more than fireworks. It is about soaking up the atmosphere in the city centre, listening to live music, enjoying an evening stroll along the waterfront, and embracing the unmistakable energy that fills every corner of San Sebastián.

It is also a time made for sharing. Families come together, friends reunite during the summer, and visitors discover the city at one of its most vibrant and memorable moments.

A Celebration Best Enjoyed Around the Table

Beyond the concerts, the seaside walks and the fireworks, Semana Grande is also celebrated around the table. It is a time for family reunions, long lunches with friends and conversations that linger well into the evening after a day spent enjoying the city’s festive atmosphere.

In San Sebastián, where gastronomy is part of the city’s identity, sharing a meal is itself a way of celebrating. After all, the memories that stay with us are often made not only in the streets, but also around a table, enjoying good company and taking time to savour the moment.

Experiencing Semana Grande Overlooking La Concha Bay

For more than a century, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra has been part of San Sebastián’s story. Its privileged position overlooking La Concha Bay has allowed it to witness, year after year, one of the city’s most treasured celebrations.

At Bistró del Londres, that connection to Semana Grande is also reflected through gastronomy. From 8 to 13 August, as well as on the evening of 15 August, we will be serving a special dinner menu designed for those who wish to experience the festive atmosphere from a privileged setting by the sea.

Two dates hold particular significance during the celebrations: the Eve of the Assumption on 14 August and the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August. To mark both occasions, we have created special dining experiences, including a celebratory dinner on the eve of the feast and exclusive lunch and dinner menus on Assumption Day.

A peaceful way to experience Semana Grande—sharing an exceptional meal while, just a few steps away, the city continues celebrating one of its most enduring traditions.

 

Every edition of Semana Grande writes a new chapter in the story of San Sebastián.

At Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, we are proud to continue being part of that story, sharing one of the city’s most special weeks with our guests and visitors, overlooking the timeless beauty of La Concha Bay.