31 de Agosto Street: the soul of Donostia's Old Town and a symbol of resilience

8 August 2020 | CULTURAL AGENDA

A reminder of the strength and courage of the people of San Sebastian

Located between the Basilic of Santa Maria del Choir and the Church of San Vicente in the old town of San Sebastian, and just five minutes in a walking distance from Lasala Plaza Hotel, is the only street (31 of Agosto) of San Sebastian that remained standing after the fire caused by the Anglo-Portuguese troops in 1813.

31 de agosto - San Sebastián

Troops on August 31 in San Sebastian

The Basilic of Santa Maria del Choir, with its impressive architecture, and the Church of San Vicente, the oldest in the city, flank this street that has witnessed the passage of time. Lasala Plaza Hotel, strategically located near these architectural gems, offers guests the unique opportunity to explore San Sebastian's old town with ease and comfort. Its streets echo with the echo of the footsteps of history, and at its center, Calle 31 de Agosto stands as a reminder of the strength and courage of the people of San Sebastian.

August 31: more than a date on the calendar

For the inhabitants of San Sebastian, August 31 is not just another date; it is a day that is lived with deep respect and emotion. It is a moment of reflection on the resilience and civic spirit that characterizes the city. 31 de Agosto Street, the only survivor of the fire of 1813, is the stage where every year homage is paid to the courage and determination of those who, in the face of adversity, rose up to shape the San Sebastian of today.

Tradition and memory: the legacy of August 31

The commemoration of August 31 is a tradition rooted in the hearts of the people of San Sebastian. It is a day to remember, to tell stories and to teach new generations the meaning of sacrifice and self-improvement. The acts that take place, from the turning off of the lights to the ceremonial torchlight walk, are expressions of a legacy that is passed on with pride and strengthens the social fabric of Donostia.

Lasala Plaza Hotel, with its privileged location, becomes a silent witness to these celebrations. Guests can experience the solemnity of the day and understand why 31 de Agosto Street and the old town of San Sebastian are much more than tourist attractions; they are emblems of an identity forged in adversity and hope.

31 de agosto - San Sebastián

Commemoration of August 31 in Donostia

Commemorative events in the vicinity of Lasala Plaza Hotel

Also, from the Rooftop of Lasala Plaza and from the rooms facing the fishing port of San Sebastian, you can see the Paseo de los Curas, the scene where the battle itself was unleashed and ended up destroying the city itself.

Every August 31st, the streets of the Old Part of San Sebastian host different events to commemorate the tragedy that left Donostia devastated, and under the attentive and emotional gaze of hundreds of neighbors, the assault and subsequent destruction of the city is recreated. One of the most emotional moments of the day is accompanied by the switching off of lights and the lighting of candles in the same street 31 de Agosto, where a Ceremonial Walk takes place under the light of the torches, starting at the Church of San Vicente and ending in Santa Maria.

An interesting and beautiful practice that every year attracts a good number of visitors and that besides transporting you to 1813 and allowing you to know closely this tradition of San Sebastian, will make you feel part of the history of San Sebastian.

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