The Tinker's Parade acts as a prelude to Carnival in San Sebastian. On February 3rd there will be a celebration honouring the arrival of the Hungarian tinkers to town who announce the upcoming Carnival. The Parade is led by a bear, which is an important figure in Basque carnival mythology.

The festivities will include a parade with the participation of various local clubs, dance performances by gypsy women, comic relief from "the queen" who is actually a man and extravagant floats decorated with brightly coloured lamps. If you can’t find the tinkers then just listen for the distinct sound they make as they beat their hammers against the small cooking pots that make up part of their costume.