La Concha Regattas (Bandera de La Concha)

According to Donostia Kultura, the San Sebastián regattas have been raced since 1879, always on the first two Sundays of September, in La Concha Bay. In 2027, those two Sundays fall on 5 and 12 September. The official dates are still to be confirmed by the city of San Sebastián (Donostia).

A fishermen’s tradition

Originally, the races pitted fishing boats (traineras) against each other, informally and for money. It has since become the most famous race in the fixed-seat rowing calendar. Since 2008, a women’s race has also been held.

How it works

• Qualifiers: on the Wednesday and Thursday before the first Sunday. In 2026, they were held on 2 and 3 September.
• Two Sundays of finals: the seven best boats from the qualifiers, plus the crew representing the city
• The winner takes the Bandera (the flag) of La Concha

Where to watch

Every year, huge crowds settle in on Mount Urgull, Mount Igueldo, the Paseo Nuevo, the harbour (Muelle), Santa Clara island and the beaches, or follow the race from all kinds of boats. Arrive early: the best spots go fast.

Full guide: our San Sebastián guide.

Sources

• Donostia Kultura — Regattas: since 1879, on the first two Sundays of September (in Spanish)
• Donostia Kirola — Bandera de La Concha 2026: qualifiers on 2 and 3 September, races on the 6th and 13th (in Spanish)