Brief History

Donostia (in Basque), or San Sebastián (in Spanish), is located along the northern coast of Spain in the Basque Country. The French border is just a 30-minute drive away, Pamplona- most famous for the Running of the Bulls during the Festival of San Fermín - is about an hour away, and the stunning Pyrenees Mountains are roughly four hours by car. Northern Spain has so much to offer, but so does the beautiful city where we’ll be celebrating: Donostia–San Sebastián!

Like much of Spain, the history of this city is rich and complex, yet its past is still visible today as you walk through its streets. The Basque language, known as Euskera, is widely spoken in Donostia and plays an important role in the region’s cultural identity- you’ll see and hear it often during our visit.

San Sebastián is also world-renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. It’s equally famous for La Concha Beach, a breathtaking bay framed by lush, rolling hills. With its elegant Belle Époque architecture, vibrant pintxo culture, surfing scene, and prestigious international film festival, San Sebastián has long been considered one of Europe’s most special destinations—both centuries ago and today.

More on the history of Donosita/ San Sebastain, the Basque culture and more!

• https://basqueculture.eus/en/the-land-of-basque

• https://sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/culture-en/7351-donostia-san-sebastian-during-the-belle-epoque-two-centuries-of-tourism/

While San Sebastian is located in Spain, the people identify very strongly as Basque. For many, they desire to be seperate from Spain entirely. Therefore, while Spanish is spoken by most, using traditionally Basque phrases is a great way to show respect, especially as we are going to be a very large group of tourists! Below are some phrases we recommended familiarizing yourself with ahead of arriving in Basque country!

Greetings

Hello

Kaixo (KY-sho)

Good morning

Egun on (eh-goon on)

Good afternoon / evening

Arratsalde on (ah-rat-sal-deh on)

Goodbye

Agur (ah-goor)

Polite Basics

Please

Mesedez (meh-seh-dehs)

Thank you

Eskerrik asko (es-keh-rik AH-sko)

You’re welcome

Ez horregatik (ez or-reh-gah-tik)

Excuse me / Sorry

Barkatu (bar-kah-too)

Food & Drink (very important!)

Cheers!

Topa! (TOH-pah)

Wine

Ardoa (AR-do-ah)

Beer

Garagardoa (gah-rah-GAR-do-ah)

Delicious!

Oso goxoa! (OH-so GO-sho-ah)

Quick Pronunciation Tips

“x” = “sh” → Kaixo = KY-sho

“z” = soft “s”

“r” = lightly rolled

Vowels are always clear and consistent