As August hits full swing, the summer energy across Euskal Herria hits an all-time high. We are officially in the deep end of festibalen garaia (festival season), where every coastal town, mountain village, and capital city comes alive with music, tradition, and non-stop celebration.

Summer in Euskal Herria hits different than anywhere else on the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts. Basque summer is defined by dramatic limestone cliffs meeting the Cantabrian Sea, lush green mountains dropping straight into deep turquoise water, and weather that keeps every day dynamic, fresh, and full of life.

While regional celebrations stretch from the streets of Gasteiz to the coastal hamlets of Iparralde, this week marks one defining moment above all: the grand launch of Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) in Donostia / San Sebastián. From the iconic cañonazo cannon shot echoing across La Concha to nightly international fireworks illuminating the bay, Donostia takes center stage as the coast turns into one big festival arena.

Grab a chilled txakoli, find a spot along La Concha or your favorite town square, and soak in the energy—because August in Euskal Herria is in full glory!