Drum Festival in San Sebastián Jan 06, 2010

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On January 20th a traditional Tamborrada holiday took place in the Spanish town of San Sebastian. Precisely at midnight the city mayor raised the flag in the central town square of San Sebastián. On the following day the town celebrates, and trembles under the sounds of drum rolls.

This colorful and blatant holiday traditionally attracts lots of tourists. People of all ages, dressed as cooks, soldiers, or other bizarre costumes, walk out into the streets. During the daytime there are also hundreds of children in the crowd – they too are wearing carnival costumes.

According to an old legend, back in 1720, a baker came down to a fountain to fill his barrel with water. While the containers were being filled the baker decided to sing his favorite song. And several young women, who were sitting by the fountain, started to accompany him. The young ladies were clapping their hands on the water, and soon the whole town joined this improvised concert.

A few years down the road, Raimundo Sarriegui, a composer wrote the "The March of San Sebastián" for several dozen drums. During the Tamborrada this march is performed many times informs spanishunlimited.com. Those tourists who are not used to continuous drum rolls are recommended to stock up on earplugs.