Drums and barrels to the rhythm of the melodies composed by maestro Sarriegui have once again resonated in the streets of the capital of Gipuzkoa to celebrate its most participatory big festival, with a record number of drums, and more inclusive, thanks to the higher rate of integration of women in the festive groups and the recognition with the Golden Drum for the work of the dancer Isabel Verdini with disabled people.
After recovering the festival in full last year, once two years of suspensions were overcome due to the covid pandemic, the capital of San Sebastian is experiencing its great patron saint's festival in 2024 with absolute normality and more participation than ever.
The day began at midnight with its most massive and popular event, the raising of the flag by the mayor, Eneko Goia, on the balcony of the library building in the Plaza de la Constitución. At that time, while the flag that started the party was already waving, with 160 adult drums - two more than the previous year -, touring the city.
A record that has raised participation to 21,306 members, with more female presence than ever. Four of the companies that until this year were male have become mixed, so that only four are still made up exclusively of men and one only of women, which translates into 96.9% of entities with members of both sexes in their ranks.
However, the daytime protagonism has fallen, once again, on the little ones, who have braved the low temperatures and have paraded in the colorful and popular Children's Drum that started from the gardens of Alderdi Eder at noon to tour the streets of the city center.
The sun, although it has barely warmed the atmosphere, has given color and joy to the parade, in which 4,732 children distributed in 48 companies of schools and associations have participated.
While the kids completed their tour through the streets of the center of the capital of San Sebastian, the plenary hall of the City Council hosted one of the most solemn events of the festive day, the traditional presentation of the Golden Drum, the award with which the city recognizes its best ambassadors.
This appreciated distinction has gone this year to the dancer Isabel Verdini, creator of a contemporary dance company that integrates people with Down syndrome.
Verdini started his project 30 years ago out of love for his niece Haizea, who has Down syndrome, and with the intention of demonstrating and making visible the capabilities of people with disabilities.
The mayor, Eneko Goia, highlighted in his speech that Verdini chose dance "as a formula to express himself and to give an opportunity" to people who did not have it.
Isabel Verdini, very excited, recalled that her company's project began 30 years ago "researching, dancing, sharing, fighting, dreaming and creating", and asked to continue "taking steps towards an inclusive Donostia".
The party continues in the capital of San Sebastian until midnight, when, to the rhythm of the Union Artesana drumming, the flag is lowered in the Plaza de la Constitución.
