Concours de la Piperadère

La Piperadère: A Celebration of Béarnais Gastronomy in Salies-de-Béarn

Every August 15th, the Parc du Casino in Salies-de-Béarn hosts La Piperadère, a popular and gourmet festival celebrating piperade, an emblematic dish of Béarnais cuisine. Since 1997, this festive day has brought together hundreds of participants and spectators in a friendly and good-natured atmosphere.

The Piperade Competition

The heart of the event, the piperade competition, pits teams against each other to prepare this traditional dish made from tomatoes, peppers, and onions, supplied by local producers. In the late afternoon, a jury of gourmets tastes the creations and designates the best recipe. Each team brings its personal touch to this simple yet demanding dish, in an atmosphere of frank camaraderie.

Activities for the Whole Day

La Piperadère is not just about the culinary competition. Throughout the day, numerous activities punctuate the festivities in the shaded setting of the park:

• Friendly breakfast: the day begins with a shared breakfast under the park's trees
• World Championship of Espadrille Throwing: an offbeat and hilarious sporting event that brings together competitors of all ages
• Producers' Market: stalls offering local and artisanal products from Béarn
• Giant Piperade: preparation and tasting of a monumental piperade for visitors
• Musical Entertainment: bands and local groups accompany the festivities
• Food and Drink: meals and refreshments available throughout the day

Rooted in Béarnais Tradition

Piperade is an ancestral dish from the Basque Country and Béarn, made from sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions, often served with scrambled eggs and slices of Bayonne ham. La Piperadère pays homage to this culinary tradition by placing it at the center of a festive day celebrating the Béarnais way of life: conviviality, gastronomy, and the joy of celebration.

The Parc du Casino: An Exceptional Setting

The Parc du Casino, located on Boulevard Saint-Guily in Salies-de-Béarn, offers a green and shaded setting ideal for this summer festival. Its wide paths and tree-lined areas comfortably accommodate the stalls, competition areas, and the public, in a popular fair atmosphere.