Throughout the week, an exhibition and three talks will be held, while on August 31 there will be a floral tribute and a parade, as well as the traditional candlelit ceremonial procession

This year, San Sebastian will once again commemorate a very special and moving occasion in remembrance of the tragic events of August 31, 1813, a date closely linked to the history and collective memory of our city. On August 31, 2026, 213 years will have passed since the allied Anglo-Portuguese troops entered San Sebastian and the city was burned and destroyed in a tragic episode of the Napoleonic Wars. For this reason, on this date the people of San Sebastian pay tribute to all those who suffered through the tragedy of 1813 and who, with courage, determination and a strong civic spirit, managed to overcome adversity and rebuild the city.

Commemorative events

The main commemorative events will take place throughout Monday, August 31, beginning in the morning with a Mass (11:30 a.m., San Vicente) in memory of those who lost their lives during the capture and destruction of the city. The programme will continue throughout the day and conclude in the evening with a reenactment of the tragic burning of the city (9:00 p.m., Zuloaga Square).

This reenactment, together with the subsequent simulation of the burning of the city at Paseo de los Curas and Batería del Mirador (9:30 p.m.), the ringing of bells in several churches across the city, and the traditional switching off of the lights and lighting of candles along 31 de Agosto Street, are undoubtedly among the highlights of the day. The ceremonial torchlight procession from the atrium of San Vicente to the Basilica of Santa María will bring to a close a day of special significance for the people of San Sebastian.

Tribute

In addition to remembering the victims of this historic event in the city, the day will also include a tribute to the NGO Save the Children, in recognition of its humanitarian work, before the commemorative parade begins.

Cultural activities related to the commemoration

In the days leading up to the events scheduled for August 31, a range of cultural activities related to this historic event will take place. From August 24 to 29, an exhibition will be open to the public in the San Jerónimo conference room. The exhibition will feature explanatory panels showing the layout of the city before the fire of 1813, original letters and documents from the period, videos depicting the city before and after the fire, previously unpublished historical maps, as well as a musical score composed around the war of 1813.

Similarly, a series of talks will be held in the same venue, offering different perspectives on San Sebastian at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century.