Drum Festival
2026
With the participation of the University of Navarra School of Engineering,Tecnun, since 2016
9th edition of the Tecnun Tamborrada Tecnun not counting the pandemic years)
100th anniversary of the San Sebastián Tamborrada.
POETRY BY PROFESSOR JUAN FLAQUER
These flags are presented
to three flag bearers
who proudly carry them
unfurled in the wind.
The drums beat louder;
the Tambor Mayor commands;
the barrels echo;
the band plays loudly.
The excitement is building.
The march is about to begin.
Water carriers, more water!
Let Sarriegui's tunes
ring out in the place!
Those tunes that captivate
everyone in San Sebastian.
It's time for another year
of our drum festival!
The city awaits you!
Let's go, then, let's go!
The Tecnun Tamborrada is one of the most important events on campus Sebastián campus calendar. Since its first edition in 2016, this event has brought together students, academic staff, researchers, staff , alumni retirees, becoming a celebration shared by the entire School.
On January 20, 2026, 114 people participated in the ninth edition of the Tecnun Tamborrada. Once again, participants paraded through the streets of Antiguo in a parade whose pathway sample down this page. Likewise, in Madrid, employees and students celebrated this tradition on January 16 at the University of Navarra's graduate school, while alumni did so on January 22 at the Txoko Gastroalumni.
On this page, you will find all the information related to the Tecnun Tamborrada Tecnun : its origins, history, testimonials from participants, and an explanation of the uniforms, among other content.
Marta de Juana
He has organized the Tamborrada since its inception.
"What began ten years ago has now become established as its own drum festival, involving subject : cleaning and maintenance staff, as well as students and staff. It is very moving to see how it is accompanied throughout its entire route and schedule, whether by family, friends, Tecnun staff professors, or friends from Aspace, where students do volunteer activities."
Juan Flaquer
He has seen the Tamborrada grow over time.
"Since that sunny afternoon on January 20, 2016, the drums, barrels, and drumsticks of the Tecnun Tamborrada have continued to echo in my ears, barely silenced by the hiatus imposed by the pandemic. It was a glorious afternoon, whose excitement is renewed year after year, with a issue of participants and the same enthusiasm as the first time."
Tomás Gómez-Acebo
He has participated in all editions.
Borja Martínez has been a core topic the origins of the Tamborrada. As student, he pestered the organizers as much as he could until, after two years, he finally convinced them. His own mother made the costumes for the drummers and water carriers, and Borja has been the Tambor Mayor (Chief Drummer) from the very beginning. The Tamborrada was born from the grassroots.
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2016
First edition
The first Tecnun Tamborrada Tecnun held in 2016 with 86 participants, after approve board approve board budget the request of student body. That year, everyone dressed up as cooks and water carriers, with barrels and buckets, and there was only one flag (that of San Sebastián). The drums were purchased second-hand from the Sociedad del Club Deportivo Vasconia on the morning of the 20th. The route was extended due to a mistake, returning to Tecnun 10 p.m.
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2017
6 flag bearers and 3 flags
In this edition, the company had six flag bearers and three flags, and the issue participants grew to 118. The main novelty was that the drummers now wore uniforms, designed by Borja Martínez's mother and inspired by Napoleon's special troops.
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2018
With an umbrella and under a dark sky...
That year, rain surprised everyone at the end of the Tamborrada, the only time in nine editions that bad weather had been encountered, although the Tambor Mayor had already order plastic be used. Throughout the year, the company also stood out outside the School: in November, five participants appeared in uniform in a short film in San Sebastián, and an article Diario Vasco article highlighted the international outreach event.
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2019
80 people on the waiting list
In this edition, 80 people were placed on a waiting list, a sample that more and more students and employees wanted to participate. The texts and videos produced that year describe how one of the most eagerly awaited days of the year is prepared and experienced. In addition, a YouTube channel features the Donostiako Martxa performed that year in the streets of the city.
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2020
The last one before the pandemic
The Tamborrada parade organized by the University of Navarra School of Engineering went ahead as normal, a normality that, who would have thought, would be sorely missed over the next two years. The day was cloudy, but at no point did it threaten to rain, and it stayed that way throughout the five hours of the parade, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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2021
2021 and 2022: pandemic
In 2021, the Tamborrada could not be held due to the pandemic, but the School kept up the tradition with a symbolic flag-raising ceremony in Ibaeta, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. That same year, in Madrid, teachers and students organized their first Tamborrada on the last day of semester. In 2022, a return to normality was expected, but a spike in COVID cases forced the cancellation of several parades, including the School's.
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2023
Back to the streets
In 2021, the Tamborrada could not be held due to the pandemic, but the School kept up the tradition with a symbolic flag-raising ceremony in Ibaeta, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. That same year, in Madrid, teachers and students organized their first Tamborrada on the last day of semester. In 2022, a return to normality was expected, but a spike in COVID cases forced the cancellation of several parades, including the School's.
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2024
Tamborrada also in Madrid
Students from all courses, alumni, professors, researchers, and employees took to the streets once again this year dressed as soldiers, water carriers, and barrels. This event is an opportunity to "make school" and share a special celebration for anyone from San Sebastián (or anyone who has studied in San Sebastián). That's why the video summary this edition includes clips of how the event was experienced on the campus Sebastián and Madrid campus .
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2025
Excellent temperature and bright sunshine
On another day of excellent weather and bright sunshine, the company carried out its traditional tour, stopping at its most emblematic points (Rebotika, Benta Berri, NH, Antigua Luberri, etc.). video from that year sample, for the first time, some fragments of the rehearsals that participants must attend ensure that, on the day of the Tamborrada, everything sounds perfect.
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2026
The works change the starting point
The ninth Tecnun Tamborrada once again Tecnun the Antiguo neighborhood, although this time it started at the Manuel Lardizábal Ibilbidea roundabout due to the car park construction work. Employees, students, alumni, and friends filled the streets of San Sebastián with rhythm and joy, highlighted by some very active and well-tuned drums.
Irati Mendia
Head of the Water Carriers since 2023
"You could say that Tamborrada runs in my veins. My mother loved it so much that she went to the flag-raising ceremony in Constitution place when she was eight months pregnant with me. I continue the tradition and, thanks to Tecnun fulfilled the wish of every San Sebastian resident: to play in the flag-raising ceremony. Although conducting is not my thing, it is a way to continue enjoying San Sebastian's big day from the inside, looking after the group and sharing in the festivities. We may not be the most rhythmic, but we are certainly the prettiest."
Borja Martínez
Lead Drummer since 2016
"Being the Drum Major of Tecnun a source of pride for me because it is the Tamborrada that I founded ten years ago, together with Coro Aycart, when no one believed in us or thought we could pull it off. Today, it is one of the best-sounding Tamborradas in San Sebastian, as recognized by other much more veteran groups."
Álvaro de Araoz
Newcomer to the Tamborrada
"This is the first year I've seen an entire Tamborrada (from start to finish) and also the first year I've participated in the one at Tecnun. For me, it's been an incredible experience and one I highly recommend. I had a great time and felt at all times how the city of San Sebastian welcomed me and invited me to participate in this festival. I think I've adapted well and quickly gotten into the rhythm of the marches."
DRUMS, FLAG BEARERS, AND DRUMMERS
The soldier's uniform worn by the drummers and orderlies was made later and was not available the first edition in 2016. It is inspired by Napoleon's special troops and consists of a Donosti blue jacket with maroon cuffs, front, collar, and shoulder pads, the color that identified the School before the rebranding. The outfit is completed with white trousers, black gaiters, and a black morion decorated with maroon details and a brass shield on the front. The drum covers are white with maroon trim and have white cross straps, completing the classic and elegant look of the uniform. On the other hand, the flag bearers dress the same as the soldiers, with a white pleated skirt adorned with blue satin ribbon.
BARRELS
They wear a white chef's uniform with maroon embroidery that includes the company's logo and name.
WATER CARRIERS
This uniform is inspired by the clothing worn by rural women at the end of the 19th century on festive days. It consists mainly of a semi-fitted maroon jacket with double buttons and a neckerchief fastened with a brooch. The neckerchief is made from the same fabric as the skirt, printed with small flowers in light colors and maroon and blue details. A long striped apron is worn over the skirt, with a bow at the back. The water carriers also wear a bow with a fabric headdress, following the tradition of the time, when young women were not allowed to wear headscarves; and, as this is a university company, it is understood that the water carriers represent young single women.
TXOKO GASTROALUMNI
On Thursday, January 22, more than 100 alumni the School of Engineering, along with family and friends, gathered at the Txoko Gastroalumni of the University of Navarra in Madrid to celebrate the Tamborrada. The workshop snacks, performances of several traditional marches, and opportunities to share experiences and exchange ideas.
POSTGRADUATE HEADQUARTERS
Once again, and now a tradition since 2021, on Friday, January 16, a group of five people—professors, employees, and students—livened up the Graduate School of the University of Navarra by performing the traditional Tamborrada marches. The workshop serves as a prelude to the celebration of San Sebastián Day and also as a farewell to the students who completed their semester the campus during the previous months.