Semana Grande in San Sebastian: gastronomic competitions, the other major event of the festivities

While many eagerly await the Semana Grande fireworks, another major event is popular with the residents of San Sebastian: the gastronomic competitions. Omnipresent throughout the week, they are also a source of pride for the locals.

In San Sebastian, gastronomy is a tradition, and Semana Grande is no exception. For a week, around August 15th, gastronomic competitions take place one after the other. This year, four competitions were organized, notably by the City. This Wednesday, August 13th, the second squid in ink competition took place in the Amara neighborhood, at Abitzol Park. The goal? Prepare a recipe with a limited number of ingredients given to the candidates by the jury. "There's a special atmosphere around this event; spectators really enjoy coming to watch people cook," says Maite, who was working at the bar that day.

Two friends, Ibon Sarasola and Esteban Pernas, decided to participate together this year. The former is an environmental educator throughout the Basque Country (French and Spanish), and the latter is a banker. "We won the lamb stew competition two or three years ago," Esteban rejoices. "Last year, we participated in the paella competition, and this year, here we are."

This free competition, open to all, promises attractive prizes for the top three finishers: 300 euros for first place, 200 for second place, and 100 for third place in vouchers for the supermarket sponsoring the event.

“There is a special atmosphere around this event, the spectators really enjoy coming to see people cooking.”

"The goal is to have a good time with friends. We hope to finish second or third with success, but the level is very high." In their recipe, the two friends added onions, green chilies, tomatoes, and white wine. This dish is served with rice, which the duo cooked risotto-style. But their dish of the day has a secret: a handful of fried squid with white wine to add a different flavor to their preparation.

"The judges have several criteria for judging the dishes presented to them," Ibon says. "The taste, of course, but also the appearance of the sauce, the texture of the squid, the color, and the presentation. Usually, I add potatoes, but today, we have to respect the ingredients given by the organization. We don't want to be disqualified."

At 7:15 p.m., hands are raised, no more touching the plates. The judges will taste the dishes of the 16 participants and give their verdict later that evening. Esteban and Ibon made a bold choice for their presentation: a small casserole dish to cook the squid in ink, a plate of rice beautifully presented with a handful of fried squid to garnish everything. As decoration, Esteban adds a few drops of sauce around the plate. "In the kitchen, there is only one chef," smiles Ibon, "and today, it's Esteban."

Christophe and Renaud, two friends from Orléans, were visiting the competition. "We've been coming to the Basque Country on vacation for 50 years. Every year, we come to see the fireworks during the Semana Grande. We were parked nearby, so we decided to go for a walk. Like every year, we enjoy the atmosphere, and this kind of competition is great to watch."

Mailo, another participant, also came to enjoy the moment. "I love cooking. I hope to win, but at least I won't leave empty-handed; we can keep the pot," she laughs.

For Esteban and Ibon, the wait is long; the results are expected around 9 p.m. Fortunately, friends and family have come to support them. It's time for them to discuss something other than gastronomy.

"We love the French Basques," they comment. "They are like our brothers, they are wonderful people. We often go to Bilbao or Pamplona, but we forget that on the other side, there are Basques, like us, who share part of our gastronomic identity. That's why I decided to study French. It's important for us to know Basque, Spanish, but also French," concludes Ibon.

As for Esteban, he learned French with the show "Club Dorothée," which aired in the 90s. "When I was little, my parents put French shows on TV, I loved them. That's how I started learning."

At 9 p.m., the verdict is in. The day's two chefs have won third place! "Third isn't bad," Esteban rejoices after receiving his prize. "We're going to celebrate, drink wine, and above all, live life!"