Semana Grande in San Sebastian: a duel between winners for the 2025 fireworks competition

For the 60th anniversary of the Semana Grande International Fireworks Competition in San Sebastian, the public came out in force to witness the duel of companies that have already won awards in the past on the Concha

And there was light. As every year, the fireworks display during San Sebastian's Semana Grande attracts thousands of visitors. This year again, they came in droves. During the afternoon of Wednesday, August 13, the streets gradually filled. Every corner of the city, from the center to the outskirts of La Concha, was invaded by curious, fascinated visitors eager to experience the famous pyrotechnic display. That evening, a Spanish company entered the competition. Already awarded four times, with gold in 2004 and 2009 and silver in 2010 and 2017, it put on a dazzling show that lasted about twenty minutes.

Created in 1964, the international fireworks competition, now in its 60th year, lived up to all its promises. "I felt like the finale lasted the entire time," a child whispered to his father, sitting high above the city.

The jury, composed of professionals each year, judges each performance based on several criteria: creative design, colors, rhythm, and soundtrack. In this anniversary year, only companies awarded at La Concha were eligible to compete.

This clash of champions attracted many French tourists who came especially for the occasion. Like Léa and Eva, two friends who were there for the first time. "Our friends have been talking about it for years," explains Léa, "but we'd never had the opportunity to come."

“With the world, it’s not always easy, but with experience, we arrive early enough and it pays off!”

As the competition approached, the goal was to secure the best spot. Lorea and her family found one high above the harbor and the aquarium. “We try to come to the same spot every year,” she confides. “With the crowds, it’s not always easy, but with experience, we arrive well in advance, and it pays off!”

For fireworks fans, the Semana Grande competition isn't over yet: every night at 10:45 pm until Saturday, August 16, the final competitors will present their show in the sky over the bay of San Sebastian. The easiest way to get there is by Topo, a train that connects the stations of Hendaye or Irún Ficoba to the terminus, Amara station, in San Sebastian (1).

(1) Timetables and information at www.euskotren.eus/fr.