Life

Heavy rains in the Basque city of Donostia-San Sebastian caused on Friday the delay of a traditional children's parade within the celebrations of the patron's saint that gives name to the Basque city. It was the first time the parade was delayed since 1981.

Almost 5,000 children, forming 52 companies promoted for the most part by the city's schools, were to march today through Donostia-San Sebastian. According to the city council, the march will be celebrated on Sunday, when milder weather is expected.

Most emotional event

The Children's Tamborrada, one of the most emotional and memorable events in the fiesta, was born in 1927 when the organizers had the idea of promoting a company of child drummers. Until then it had always been restricted to grown-ups.

The little drummers work hard at their rehearsals during the preceding weeks to master the difficult performance on drums and barrels. On the day of the 20th, the little ones can hardly hide their eagerness and pride at parading through the center of their city in front of the enthusiastic general public.

Before the parade sets off, the troops of children get together in the Alderdi-Eder gardens, in front of the Town Hall. There they are saluted by their officers, elected each year by drawing lots. It kicks off with a unanimous performance of the "March of San Sebastián".