Semana Grande in San Sebastián · Aste Nagusia

According to Donostia Kultura, which organises it, Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia in Basque) always runs from the Saturday before 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, to the Saturday after it. In 2027, that means 14 to 21 August in San Sebastián (Donostia).

Please note: the Euskadi Tourism events calendar gives 7 to 14 August instead. We are going with the organiser’s dates. Check the official programme before booking.

The opening cañonazo

The fiesta begins with the cañonazo, a cannon shot fired at 19:00 in the Alderdi Eder gardens, followed by the singing of the Artillero.

The international fireworks competition

This is the highlight of Semana Grande: every evening, pyrotechnics companies from different countries present their display over La Concha Bay.

Other highlights

• Concerts: the big concerts are held at Sagüés, among other venues
• Sport: a swim from Getaria to San Sebastián, horse racing, beach volleyball and Basque rural sports (herri kirolak)
• For families: parades of giants and big-heads, children’s workshops and toros de fuego (fire bulls)

Full city guide: our San Sebastián guide.

Sources

• Donostia Kultura — Festival calendar: Semana Grande 2027, 14–21 August (in Spanish)
• San Sebastián Turismo — Aste Nagusia (Semana Grande)
• Euskadi Tourism — Semana Grande in San Sebastián