THE TAMBORRADA AT SAN SEBASTIÁN

Although the origins of this fiesta are unknown, it seems to have re-emerged in the first third of the 19th century. Different theories circulate about the role of drums and barrels during this epoch, which has lead them to become a central element of the fiesta. Some argue that the drums stem from servant girls and their escorts – craftsmen or soldiers – drumming on water barrels while they waited in line at one of the three fountains that brought water to San Sebastian. Even more likely is that the Tamborrada was a parade that took place during Carnival. Locals made the most of the daring Carnival spirit by parodying military marches, with no particular dress code, while those first in line played drums. Over time, more drums were added and people began to appear in costume, which included overalls worn by bakers, cooks and water carriers, and which became part of the overall festival aesthetic.

It is possible that alter 1836 the Tamborrada was moved to coincide with Saint Sebastian’s Saint day on January 20th. From that time onwards, it became the city’s customary way of paying homage to their patron Saint.

The fiesta begins at midnight on January 19th at Plaza de la Constitución when the city flag is raised. The Gaztelubide society and members of other drummer troops start to play the Marcha de San Sebastián, composed by maestro Raimundo Sarriegui. One hundred troops comprising between 20 and 50 drums and between 50 to 100 barrels parade through all the different city districts on the 20th, accompanied by a band.

Those participating in the Tamborrada fall into two groups: the drummers – who play drums dressed in uniform from the Napoleonic era - and the cooks or water carriers - who play similar sounding barrels and water containers. Characters such as spendthrifts, flag bearers and bar maids can also be seen within the procession.

Children take part in a kids’ Tamborrada on the same day, which begins in the Alberdi Eder gardens and parades along the main streets of the city. From amongst the children, a general and his helpers are chosen as well as La Bella Easo – the equivalent of the festival queen – and her ladies in waiting.

The festival continues until midnight on January 20th, when citizens meet again at the Plaza de la Constitución near the Tamborrada de la Unión Artesana. This troop plays Sarriegui’s piece one last time, and finalises in the Marcha de San Sebastián. Alter the flag is lowered, other compositions are played that have featured throughout the day.

During the festivities that take place over a 24 hour period, the city’s most emblematic prizes are awarded: the Tambor de Oro (Golden Drum) and five Medallas al Mérito Ciudadano de San Sebastián (San Sebastian Citizen Merit Medal)

Related web sites:

www.donostiasansebastian.com/tamborrada/
www.wikipedia.org