BANDERA DE LA CONCHA

The Bandera de la Concha regattas are one of those events that exude tradition and excitement in the Basque Country. They are held every September in the bay of La Concha, in San Sebastián, and attract thousands of people, both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on their favourite team.

The origin of these regattas dates back to the 19th century, when local fishermen began competing to show who was the fastest in the water. What began as a way of measuring the skill and endurance of the crews of the traineras (those long, narrow boats used for fishing) has evolved into a highly prestigious sporting event. It is said that, in the beginning, the regattas were part of the patron saint festivities of San Sebastián and little by little they became institutionalised, with the first official edition held in 1879.

During two weekends in September, the traineras set out to sea in search of the precious Bandera de la Concha. The competition is fierce, and every stroke counts. La Concha Bay, with its natural beauty, offers a unique setting for this test of endurance and coordination, where teams from all over the Cantabrian coast (and some special guests) give their all to cross the finish line first.

Beyond the competition, what makes the Bandera de la Concha special is the atmosphere in the city. San Sebastian comes alive, with the streets packed with people, the bars offering the best of Basque cuisine, and the sound of drums and txarangas cheering on the teams. It is an event that mixes sport, tradition and celebration, and that demonstrates the pride and passion of the Basques for their seafaring roots.

In short, the Bandera de la Concha is not just a regatta, it is a celebration of the identity and competitive spirit of the Basque Country, with humble origins that have grown to become one of the essential events on the sporting and festive calendar. If you have the chance to go, you can’t miss it!