FEAST DAY OF SAINT IGNATIUS

“Inazio gure patroi handia, Jesusen konpainia…” these verses accompany a beautiful melody full of meaning that is about to be heard once again. On 31 July, we celebrate St Ignatius’ Day, honouring the patron saint of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. San Sebastián is getting ready to mark the occasion in the best possible way: the sound of the drums will once again fill the streets of the Old Town.

This special day is deeply rooted in history and tradition, as it commemorates the death of St Ignatius of Loyola, who passed away in Rome on 31 July 1556. The celebration remembers the remarkable transformation of this Basque nobleman, who went from being an ambitious soldier to founding the Society of Jesus. Its members, the Jesuits, are renowned around the world for their work in education, missionary activities and culture, and have played a fundamental role within the Catholic Church.

It is a day of celebration across many parts of the Basque Country, with the best-known festivities taking place in Azpeitia, the birthplace of St Ignatius and home to the impressive Sanctuary of Loyola. Alongside the town’s festivities, the basilica will host solemn Masses and commemorative events throughout the day.

San Sebastián has plenty to celebrate too. In our neighbourhood, the Old Town, the streets will come alive with traditional drum bands performing well-loved local tunes in honour of the patron saint. Meanwhile, religious celebrations will take place at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, where Masses will be held throughout the day. The highlight will be at 1:30 pm, when the traditional procession carrying the saint’s image and relic will take place.

This is a very special day for us, and we’d love you to experience it while staying at Hotel Parma. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy our city, and if you’d like to explore a little further, you can even take a short trip to Azpeitia, just 45 minutes away by public bus (UK01 line).

One last thing… learning the patron saint’s verses is a must. Enjoy them!

“Inazio gure patroi handia

Jesusen konpainia

fundatu eta dezu armatu

ez da ez etsairik jarriko zaizunik

inolaz aurrean gaurko egunean

nahiz betor Luzifer deabrua

utzirik inpernua!

Zure soldaduak dirade aingeruak,

zure gidaria da Jesus handia

garaitu ditu zure konpainiak etsaiak.

Ez dauka Fedeak, ez kristau nereak

ez dauka beldurrik inongo aldetik

Inazio hor dago

beti ernai dago

armetan jarria

dauka konpainia

txispaz armaturik

bandera zabalik,

gau eta egun

guk guztiok bakea dezagun,

beti gau eta egun

gau eta egun”.