✨ What makes it special
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St. Sebastian (San Sebastián) is patron saint of San Sebastián (Donostia) and of Palma de Mallorca. San Sebastián (Donostia) : lar
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15,000+ drummers (tamborreros) in 120+ drumming groups (tamborradas) parade through streets for 24 hours wearing chef hats and apr
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"Correfoc de Sant Sebastià" (fire run) with devils and dragons shooting fireworks, participants dancing to traditional mallorquin
📷 Photos
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Fiesta de San Sebastián — main event
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Fiesta de San Sebastián — atmosphere
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Fiesta de San Sebastián — crowd
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Fiesta de San Sebastián — detail
Photos coming soon
📅 Calendar of events
10:00
Despertà — Wake-up firecrackers
Bands and firecrackers wake the city. Loud and chaotic.
14:00
Mascletà — Firecracker concert
Daily in main square. 5 minutes of chest-vibrating rhythmic explosions. Free.
19:00
Processions and parades
Flower offerings and civic processions.
22:00
Monument illuminations
Sculptures lit up dramatically. Best photography opportunity.
24:00
La Cremà — The burning
Children's monuments first, largest last. Main square is the grand finale.
Times approximate. Check official programme.
👁 Where to watch
🔥In the crowd (Free)
Full sensory experience — heat, noise, sparks. Wear old clothes.
🏠Private balconies (Paid)
Safe elevated view. Search Airbnb months ahead.
📸Side streets
Perpendicular streets give clear views and easier escape. Arrive 2hrs early.
🍺Bar terraces
More comfortable, less atmospheric. A drink buys you a table.
📖 Full description
St. Sebastian (San Sebastián) is patron saint of San Sebastián (Donostia) and of Palma de Mallorca. San Sebastián (Donostia) : largest celebrations in Spain for its patron saint. "Tamborrada de San Sebastián" (Drum Festival) on January 20—midnight (January 19-20 midnight) launching rocket at Plaza de la Constitución in Old Town (Parte Vieja); 15,000+ drummers (tamborreros) in 120+ drumming groups (tamborradas) parade through streets for 24 hours wearing chef hats and aprons (in honor of city's gastronomy) or 19th-century military uniforms (military drum corps). "Tamborrada Infantil" (Children's Drum Festival) on January 19 afternoon—2,000+ children drumming. "Izada de Bandera" (Flag Raising) at City Hall at midnight. This is not a solemn religious festival—it's one of Spain's loudest parties (bring earplugs). Palma de Mallorca : "Festa de Sant Sebastià" from January 17-20. "Foguerons" (bonfires) on January 19 night in Plaça Major and Parc de la Mar; "Correfoc de Sant Sebastià" (fire run) with devils and dragons shooting fireworks, participants dancing to traditional mallorquin music (xeremies—mallorcan bagpipes). "Fira del Ram" (fair with amusement rides) at Parc de la Mar. "Ball de Cossiers" (traditional mallorquin dance with demon and angel costumes) at Plaça Cort
✈️ How to get there
✈️By air
El Prat (BCN) — Aerobus to city 35min.
🚄By train
AVE from Madrid (2.5hr), Valencia (3hr).
🚌By bus
ALSA from Madrid. Multiple operators from France.
🚗By car
AP-7 from south, AP-2 from Madrid. Expensive parking — use park-and-ride.
🚇Getting around
Metro excellent — T-Casual 10-trip card best value.
🎟 Tickets
Main events
Most fire festivals are free street events.
Additional events
Some ticketed enclosures for main burning areas — check official website.
⚠️ Important tip
Private apartment balconies can be rented via Airbnb months ahead.
💡 Insider tips
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Cover all exposed skin
Long sleeves and trousers — not shorts.
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Waterproof camera
Smoke and water will damage unprotected phones.
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Best moments are late
Fire festivals peak after midnight.