The name of this street holds deep meaning for San Sebastian. It marks one of the darkest days in the city’s history, August 31st, 1813, when British and Portuguese forces bombarded the city, setting it ablaze. Back then, San Sebastian was one of the region’s biggest naval bases. Almost the entire city was destroyed by fire, except for this one street, which miraculously escaped destruction. It’s the oldest surviving part of the city, the only place that remains exactly as it was in the former San Sebastian. It was originally called Calle de la Trinidad, but in 1877, the mayor renamed it Calle 31 de Agosto to honor this tragic turning point in the city’s history. Along with the street itself, two churches also made it through the fire, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and the Church of Saint Vincent. Both still stand today as silent witnesses to that fateful day. Every year on August 31st, the city commemorates the date with parades, battle reenactments, and candles placed along the street at nightfall.