Romania). More recently, the parade has been pushed back to days before the festival proper; thus, the Children's Tamborrada is the first activity of the festival. 2023 marks the 62nd anniversary of the Children's Tamborrada, which launched in 1961 to promote the cultural legacy of the festival to the younger generations. A repeat performance is held at noon on the festival day. Fifty-two contingents from schools in the city join the celebrations beating their snare drums while honoring the heroes of the defense of the city and its patron. Formation Each of the contingents are formed by and sponsored by traditionally the txokos, and today by a variety of organizations sanctioned by the city council to form delegations for the festival. These also send liaisons to coordinate with a city council representative on the route of the march and on what district/s and/or borough/s of the city they will have to hold their festivities for the year. Most of these are of company size save for one - the Peña Anastasio association - with 400 men and women, the size of a small battalion, and split into 3 formations. It is also affiliated with the local football team in the area. Each for the formations are composed of: Markers Color guard Cantineras Drum major Drum section, using snare drums Marching band Barrel drum section Formed in 1934, the Gaztelubide association's contingent serves as the official band for the opening ceremony while the band of the Union Artesana association closes the celebrations. By 2015-16 and 2023 the former was joined by the Coro Easo in singing the San Sebastian March. Overseas commemorations Given San Sebastián's status as one of the two cities chosen to be the European Capital of Culture for 2016, it is no surprise, however, that Wroclaw, Poland, the other ECC city, has begun celebrating the festival as well in 2015 - as the Wroclaw Tamborrada. The 2016 event even had Polish Armed Forces bands in attendance. Just like in San Sebastián, children also take part in the event as well. References External links Joobili.com - Related info and photos on La Tamborrada Festivals in Spain Basque culture Festivals in San Sebastián