40 years later and I can still sing…”In 1814 we took a little trip. Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip.”  It’s a song about the Battle of New Orleans.

I was young. I don’t remember how old.  But some of the words are there, the British, the Gulf of Mexico and running through bushes where a rabbit couldn’t go.  

1814!

Why did I know this date? Not because I remember the time. Nor do I remember all the dates we memorized in school. I wanted to write about the Tamborrada or Danborrada (in Basque) today and the song pushed me to research. What did I find out?

A year earlier in 1813, the British along with the Portuguese were involved in the Siege of San Sebastian.

I'm not history buff. But I like to learn history especially when it comes to why we celebrate things and the significance. And as I’m writing this on January 19th, I can hear in my mind the rolling and thumping of people practicing on their drums in San Sebastian, Donostia in Basque.

Watch the promotional video below for the 2023 Danborrada to get a glimpse of the calm before the storm.

It’s the eve of a large festive day in the Basque Country.

And I’m wondering about the history of the Basque festival, even though I’ve been there and celebrated it myself. All the questions from when it started to the variety in costume and instruments.

In an article, I read today, it says they don’t know precise dates but what they do know they talk about in the article. Here’s a link to the article: Historia de una Fiesta.

And if you’re new to the festival? Here’s the top 10 things you need to know about the festival:

• In San Sebastian, the festival kicks off at 12:00am on the 20th at the Constitution Plaza. And then goes non-stop for 24 hours: drumming through the streets, laughter, and people enjoying meals together.
• Don't plan on driving anywhere in San Sebastian/ Donostia on that day.
• The companies are the groups who march and play in the parade at their set time.
• The companies represent different people of the community from a gastronomical society to a company of all expats or foreigners.
• Typical costume of those participating?  Chefs, bakers, women in traditional dress and various military uniforms representing the British, French, Portuguese.
• Instruments are small drums, used by the military.  And the bakers/chefs use what look like mini-barrels.
• The children and young adults march during the day of the 20th. Many dressed in military uniform representing the Napoleon era. 
• The Danborrada is also celebrated in Azpeitia on the same day.
• The Danborrada in Donostia ends in the same place as it started. In the old part of town (alde zaharrean), at the Constitution Plaza.
• And let’s not forget that it’s the day of their patron saint, St. Sebastián.

If you get the chance to visit the Basque Country in January, go enjoy the day of San Sebastian. But be sure to make a reservation in advance to eat with a group of friends because every one is out on the town as well.

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To catch the closing live watch live on EITB or on YouTube.