Police clash at Donostia's Karmen festival sparks community condemnation

Residents of Donostia gathered for the Karmen festival on Sunday when the regional police entered the event in a "brutal, threatening and overly aggressive" manner, according to the festival committee. The police were accused of using excessive force, injuring several attendees, arresting one person and denying minors the right to contact their parents. Organisers vowed to preserve the festival as a safe, free and healthy space and called for accountability.

Separately, the Basque public railway operator awarded a €6.4 million contract to dismantle the historic Pasai bridge and the old Topo tunnel. The 12‑month project will involve removing 386 m of bridge structure and preserving selected elements, with the aim of improving urban connectivity and revitalising the area.

Tourism officials highlighted alternative summer options across the Basque Country, urging visitors to explore inland forests, mountains and rivers such as Pagoeta, Gorbeia and Irati, offering cooler settings away from the crowded coastal beaches.