During the first days of September —this year, from September 2 to 13— Donostia celebrates the Euskal Jaiak (Basque Festivities), a festival that brings together Basque culture, sport, gastronomy, folklore and traditions.

One of the highlights of the festivities is Sagardo Eguna, or Cider Day (September 5). The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. in Plaza de la Constitución, where visitors will be able to taste cider from 31 producers from Gipuzkoa and enjoy a lively festive atmosphere to the sound of trikitixa (a traditional Basque diatonic accordion widely used in the popular and festive music of the Basque Country) and Basque music.

The La Concha Flag regattas are a spectacle you definitely won’t want to miss, and you have four days to enjoy them: the qualifying regattas (September 2 and 3), the first day of the La Concha Flag (September 6) and the second (September 13). Who will take home the coveted flag this year?

On September 6, Gaztelu Eguna, or Castle Day, will be celebrated. Throughout the day, the reconstruction of the city following its destruction in 1813 will be commemorated with the climb up to the castle, the reading of the capitulations, a community lunch at the “Macho” of Urgull (La Mota Castle), and the reading of the Zubieta records as the final event on the Boulevard.

The children’s programme —including a Children’s Toka Championship (September 11) and the spectacular Dragon Descent from Urgull (September 12), accompanied by the parade of giants and big-heads, among other activities— and the popular competitions (marmitako, tomatoes, hake…) will also have their place in the festivities.

Alderdi Eder will host the Craft Fair, and visitors will also be able to see the “Euskal Jantziak” exhibition (Basque Costumes) at the San Jerónimo hall in San Sebastian’s Old Town.

Traditional sports will also feature prominently. In addition to the La Concha Regattas, the Euskal Jaiak programme includes the finals of the Hand Pelota Championship (September 10, Plaza de la Trinidad), the Urgull Cross-Country Race (September 12, starting from the Sociedad Fotográfica), and the La Concha Bay Swimming Crossing (September 12).

And, of course, trikitilaris (musicians who play the trikitixa), txistularis (musicians who play the txistu, a traditional three-hole Basque flute), and dantzaris (dancers of traditional Basque dances) bring music and colour to the city’s squares and streets, especially in San Sebastian’s Old Town. It is therefore no surprise that one of the highlights among the competitions included in the festivities is the Baile al Suelto Dance Competition (traditional freestyle Basque dance), held on September 6 in Plaza de la Constitución.