San Sebastián, a European Capital of Culture 2016, is seeking to overcome its past and there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip this year. But how valuable is the title in the long-run?
Image: DW/B.Wesel
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9 reasons to visit San Sebastián
San Sebastián has been honored European Capital of Culture 2016. But many don't know a lot about the city in the Basque region of Spain. It is definitly worth a visit, not only for gourmets, surfers and culture fans.
Image: San Sebastian Turismo
1. Life's a beach - and so is San Sebastián
San Sebastian, one of two European Capitals of Culture this year, has a long history as a seaside resort in Europe because of its beautiful beaches. Thousands of people flock to the beaches within the city's vicinity - to the famous La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island. But it is also very popular with surfers. The famous "Olatu Talka Festival" will take place this year from May 20-22.
Image: San Sebastian Turismo
2. Gourmets won't go hungry
In April, Basque chefs will organize a cooking show series called "On appétit" together with various other international chefs. San Sebastián is most famous for its pinxtos, snacks that are eating while standing at a bar. Many of the city's restaurants have Michelin stars.
Image: picture-alliance/Robert B. Fishman
3. It's a Mekka for art lovers
The San Temo Museum will be exhibiting Basque art from the 1960s as well as contemporary artists from across Europe. A unique chance for art lovers. This squid by Jesus Pellegri is made of paper-mâché, but you can also enjoy the real ones at the traditional fish markets.
Image: DW/B.Wesel
4. Don't worry about getting thirsty
In order to remind people of the history of the San Sebastian, drinking fountains have been set up in the entire city. They had been part of the parks and streets in the past century but gradually disappeared.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Etxezarreta
5. You don't have to 'look both ways'
The mild climate of San Sebastián attracted Spain's kings in the past centuries, who came during summer to escape the heat of Madrid. The city is therefore adorned with opulent avenues and palaces. The famous street "La Concha" attracts half a million tourists every year. The car-free promenade stretches over six kilometers (3.1 miles).
Image: San Sebastian Turismo
6. You won't be chased by bulls
Bull fighting has been banned in San Sebastián since 2012, but during the big festivals mock-up bulls can be seen, like during the "Semana Grande" - literally, great week festival. The facades of the houses in the "Plaza de la Constitución," where the big festivals are celebrated, remind that this place was once a bullfighting ring.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Etxezarreta
7. There's jazz on the beach
The city hosts the annual Jazzaldia jazz festival, one of the city's cultural highlights, as well as some of Europe's major international film festivals. In 2016, Jazzaldia will be taking place from July 20-25. Some concerts are held outdoors on the beach and admission is free.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Herrero
8. No one gets left out
The Culture Capital program comprises around 60 projects from the fields of art, dance, cinema, music, architecture, and food. There is something there for every age group, making it a perfect destination even for families.
Image: San Sebastian Turismo
9. The views make for great Facebook header pics
If nothing else, then the amazing view Mount Igueldo offers of the La Concha crescent-shaped bay with its Santa Clara Island is reason enough to visit the city. A new trekking route with 32 stages has been created. Along the route hikers will be treated to installations and surprise performances.
Image: San Sebastian Turismo
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As the European Culture Capital 2016, the program of the city of San Sebastián in northern Spain is designed to help overcome deep past divisions, which persist among its population to this day.
San Sebastián was one of the Spanish cities most severely impacted by the terrorist activities of the underground organization ETA. The triumph over this climate of hate and fear is one of the motives behind the city's application for European Capital of Culture.
"The people should have something that gives them some faith in the city's future," says the director of the 2016 Capital of Culture project, Pablo Berástegui.
But the program also takes up current issues such as the ongoing European refugee crisis. Coming up in March is an anti-war festival with concerts, films and theater. And in June there will be a special exhibition of 300 works by Goya, Rubens and Picasso on the subject violence and peace.
Does capital status bring long-term benefits?
Each year, two different cities are chosen by the European Union to serve as capitals of culture, planning an extensive program of events aimed at raising their international visibility and investing in cultural infrastructure.
Last year, the honor was given to Pilsen in the Czech Republic and Mons in Belgium. The most recent Capital of Culture in Germany was the Ruhr Valley region, the country's former industrial heartland, in 2010.
Watch the DW News studio discussion below to learn more about which cities have profited from the title, which have not, and what to watch out for this year in San Sebastián.
