Tamborrada / Damborrada, Día de San Sebastián

I had so much fun photographing this 24-Hour drumming festival in my now home town, San Sebastián.  Donostia as it is also known, is in the Basque Country or region of Spain.  The Basque culture is different from Spanish culture and they have a lot of pride for their tradition and language. 

This festival begins at midnight on Jan 19th and ends at 12:01 on Jan 20th, both the opening and closing ceremonies take place in the main plaza, Constitution Plaza in the Parte Vieja or Old district.  From then on there are hundreds of groups of traveling drumming squads that go from society house to society house serenading the members and surrounding community, or to a church, or the statue of Raimundo Sarriegui, the man who composed the songs they play on this day. 

Here are a few of my photos or videos from this, my favorite festival so far, and I've been to many.  Consequently, one of these was chosen as a finalist in a photography competition (Concurso Fotografico del día de San Sebastián) and this week there will be an exhibition of the 3 winners and 12 Finalists - including me!  It will be great to meet more photographers in the area and celebrate together ;)