IT’S CARNIVAL!

As every year, early February arrives full of festivities and celebrations. In San Sebastián, we have just marked San Blas Day, sung in the streets for Santa Águeda with our sticks in hand, and dressed up as Caldereros the previous weekend, making plenty of cheerful noise with hammers and frying pans. The following day, we enjoyed the parade of Inudeak eta Artzainak in a truly festive atmosphere. For many, all of this has simply been the warm-up… because the highlight of the month is here: Carnival (known as Inauteriak in Basque).

In many parts of the Basque Country, Carnival is deeply rooted in local culture and mythology, and people often dress up as characters from ancient legends. In Ituren and Zubieta, for example, the Joaldunak take centre stage, ringing the cowbells they wear on their backs to chase away evil spirits, awaken the strength of the earth and welcome spring. In Lantz, the streets come alive with the story of Ziripot, Miel Otxin and Zaldiko.

Joaldunak                                      Ziripot

In Gipuzkoa, the Carnival of Tolosa is the most famous of all and one of the best places to enjoy the celebrations with friends. This year, the festivities run from 12 to 17 February, filling the streets with brass bands, drum parades, live music and vibrant colours. Throughout the day, local groups bring out their impressive floats and costumes, prepared with great care and creativity. The atmosphere is simply unforgettable. You will find some of the most original costumes there, just a 30-minute bus ride from Hotel Parma.

Back in San Sebastián, we are not falling behind either. For those who prefer to stay in the city, there is plenty to enjoy. Tonight, Illumbe hosts the official presentation of the city’s Carnival groups, with costumes, music and dancing. Then, on both Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m., these groups will parade through the city centre. The Carnival celebrations will come to an end with the traditional Burial of the Sardine.

We can hardly wait… and you? What will you dress up as? At Hotel Parma, we can’t wait to find out — tell us!