Welcome back to the events blog of Hotel Antoyana in Santander. This time, we want to dive into one of the city’s most emblematic traditions: the Baños de Ola (wave baths). Inspired by the history and evolution of this practice, we will uncover how Santander became the preferred summer destination for the Spanish aristocracy and high society. Join us on this journey through time as we explore the origins of Baños de Ola and how you can enjoy this unique experience from the comfort of our hotel.
History of Baños de Ola:
Baños de Ola and their origin in Santander:
In the 19th century, Santander pioneered the promotion of sea baths, also known as Baños de Ola or wave baths. This tradition gained popularity thanks to Queen Isabella II, who, following medical advice, discovered the therapeutic benefits of immersing oneself in the sea. El Sardinero, the most prominent beach in Santander, became the favorite destination for Madrilenians and people from other inland cities seeking to enjoy the invigorating waves of the Cantabrian Sea.
The evolution of Baños de Ola and its impact on Santander:
In its early stages, bathers would hold onto a rope with an anchor while entering the water. As the popularity of Baños de Ola grew, huts and spas were built to accommodate visitors, turning Santander into a prominent tourist destination of the time. The city began developing new infrastructure, such as the Magdalena Palace, to host the royal family and the high society that imitated their customs. Baños de Ola became an ingrained tradition, attracting tourists and establishing Santander as the preferred summer destination for the aristocracy.
Baños de Ola today and how to enjoy them from Hotel Antoyana:
Today, the tradition of Baños de Ola is still alive in Santander and is celebrated annually. During this festivity, the city transports itself back to the 19th century with parades, period costumes, and various activities in the Jardines de Piquío and the Sardinero Beach. From Hotel Antoyana, you can enjoy this fascinating tradition as we are strategically located just 10 minutes away from the beaches of El Sardinero. We provide you with the convenience of staying just steps away from the Cantabrian Sea without having to immerse yourself fully in the city, allowing you to easily participate in the Baños de Ola and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Santander.
A unique experience from Hotel Antoyana:
After an exhilarating day at the sea, you will return to Hotel Antoyana to rest and relax. Our comfortable rooms and facilities will provide you with the necessary comfort to recharge. Our friendly and attentive staff will be delighted to provide you with recommendations on the best places to explore in Santander and the rest of Cantabria, immersing yourself in other local traditions.
Conclusion:
Baños de Ola is a deep-rooted tradition in Santander that transports you to the charm of the 19th century. From Hotel Antoyana, you can experience this fascinating practice and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city. Come and discover the magic of Baños de Ola in Santander while enjoying an unforgettable stay at Hotel Antoyana!
2023 Program:
Come and enjoy the Baños de Ola 2023 in Santander!
This summer, from July 13th to 16th, one of the most anticipated events in the city of Santander will take place: the Baños de Ola. For four days, visitors will immerse themselves in an atmosphere filled with fun, history, and exciting activities. You can’t miss it!
The program of events for Baños de Ola 2023 is as follows:
Thursday 13th:
- 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM: Market. Located on the descent from Piquío to the First Beach of El Sardinero.
- 6:30 PM: Inaugural parade with period costume associations, accompanied by the Charlote Dixie Jazz Band. From Plaza de Italia to the Jardines de Piquío.
- EXPLANADA PRIMERA PLAYA DE EL SARDINERO:
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘El arriero de los juegos’.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Ecological merry-go-round.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Carousel merry-go-round and wooden games.
- JARDINES DE PIQUÍO:
- 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM: Gastronomic booths.
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Sailor button workshop.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘La Bella Aurelia’. Minuteman camera. 19th-century artisanal photography. Free images for visitors.
- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM: ‘Zoolea’ parade.
- 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Face painting.
- 7:00 PM: Distribution of the classic lemonade by the Chiqui, Santemar, Sardinero, and Victoria hotels.
- 7:30 PM: Inaugural show and exhibition by the Belín Cabrillo Professional Dance Center: ‘Mi Santander, mi cuna, mi palabra’.
- 8:30 PM: Exhibition by the Belín Cabrillo Professional Dance Center.
- 9:30 PM: Concert by the ’14 cuerdas’ group.
Friday 14th:
- 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM: Market. Located on the descent from Piquío to the First Beach of El Sardinero.
- EXPLANADA PRIMERA PLAYA DE EL SARDINERO:
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Carousel merry-go-round and wooden games.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Ecological merry-go-round.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘El arriero de los juegos’.
- 6:30 PM: Children’s Show ‘Ñam, ñam’.
- JARDINES DE PIQUÍO:
- 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM: Gastronomic booths.
- 12:00 PM: English storytelling.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘La Bella Aurelia’. Minuteman camera. 19th-century artisanal photography. Free images for visitors.
- 1:30 PM: Vermouth session. Live music with the ‘Saxo de Morfeo’.
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Sailor button workshop.
- 6:30 PM: Awards ceremony for the Baños de Ola Golf Tournament.
- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM: ‘Candore’ parade.
- 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Face painting.
- 7:00 PM: Concert by ‘Luvia Duet’.
- 9:30 PM: Concert ‘Viaje a Venus’. Tribute to Mecano.
- Saturday 15th:
- 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM: Market. Located on the descent from Piquío to the First Beach of El Sardinero.
- EXPLANADA PRIMERA PLAYA DE EL SARDINERO:
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘Fingerworld’ games.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Ecological merry-go-round.
- 1:00 PM: Children’s show ‘Circus Cabaret’.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Giant Parcheesi and stilts race.
- JARDINES DE PIQUÍO:
- 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM: Gastronomic booths.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Salt and sand jar workshop.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘La Bella Aurelia’. Minuteman camera. 19th-century artisanal photography. Free images for visitors.
- 12:30 PM: Gastronomic representation of the era.
- 1:30 PM: Vermouth session with live music.
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Sailor button workshop.
- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM: ‘Bañistas’ parade.
- 6:00 PM: Presentation of the book ‘Santander Años Veinte’ by Juan Carlos Flores-Gispert.
- 7:00 PM: Concert by ‘Alfonso Blanco’.
- 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Face painting.
- 9:30 PM: Concert by ‘Los Panojos’.
- 11:00 PM: Fireworks.
- 11:15 PM: DJ Night.
- Sunday 16th:
- 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM: Market. Located on the descent from Piquío to the First Beach of El Sardinero.
- 5:00 PM: Closing with the Baño de las Peñas (Bathing of the Rocks). First Beach of El Sardinero. All Santander residents are invited to wear striped bathing suits and swim.
- EXPLANADA PRIMERA PLAYA DE EL SARDINERO:
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Family recreational games.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Ecological merry-go-round.
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Balloon relays and sack races.
- JARDINES DE PIQUÍO:
- 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM: Gastronomic booths.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Salt and sand jar workshop.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: ‘La Bella Aurelia’. Minuteman camera. 19th-century artisanal photography. Free images for visitors.
- 1:30 PM: Vermouth session with live music.
- 6:00 PM: Grand closing parade with Baños de Ola period costumes. Subsequently, the participants will share a snack.
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Sailor button workshop.
- 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Face painting.
- 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM: ‘Ardentia’ parade.
- 7:00 PM: Concert by ‘Trío Arrebol’. Tribute to María Dolores Pradera.
- 9:30 PM: Concert by ‘Long Play’.
- Come and join us at the Baños de Ola 2023 in Santander. For four days, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, enjoy walks on the beach, and participate in a wide variety of exciting activities. Explore the market on the descent from Piquío to the First Beach of El Sardinero, where you will find a great variety of products and crafts. At the beachfront esplanade, you can enjoy traditional and ecological games, as well as entertainment for the whole family. In the Jardines de Piquío, indulge in delicious gastronomic options and participate in craft workshops.
- Don’t miss the dance and music performances, including professional exhibitions and concerts by talented local artists. Additionally, you can delve into the history of Santander with the presentation of the book ‘Santander Años Veinte’ and enjoy a closing parade featuring period costumes.
- The fun continues with recreational games, children’s shows, and vermouth sessions with live music. And to top it off, don’t miss the thrilling Baño de las Peñas (Bathing of the Rocks) at the First Beach of El Sardinero, where all Santander residents are invited to join and enjoy a refreshing dip.
- The Baños de Ola 2023 promise to be an unforgettable experience full of fun and entertainment. You can’t miss it! Come with your family and friends and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this unique event in Santander.
- We look forward to welcoming you to the Baños de Ola 2023 in Santander!