Fêtes de la Madeleine
The great féria of Mont-de-Marsan, five days in blue and white
About La Madeleine
Born in 1933, the Fêtes de la Madeleine are the great féria of Mont-de-Marsan, prefecture of the Landes. Each year in July, the city is adorned in blue and white, the colors of its coat of arms, for five days and five nights of intense festivities. Between Landes races, bullfights in the Plumaçon arena, concerts, banda parades, cavalcades and entertainment for all ages, La Madeleine attracts between 650,000 and 750,000 festival-goers to the streets of the Montoise city. An unmissable event of the taurine and festive culture of southwestern France.
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The Fêtes de la Madeleine: the pride of Mont-de-Marsan
The Fêtes de la Madeleine are the great féria of Mont-de-Marsan, prefecture of the Landes. Born in 1933, they celebrate each year the Saint Mary Magdalene, patron saint of the city. For five days and five nights, starting from the first Wednesday after July 14th, Mont-de-Marsan transforms into a huge party scene, attracting between 650,000 and 750,000 festival-goers.
Blue and white, the colors of La Madeleine
Unlike the neighboring férias of Bayonne and Dax where red and white, borrowed from Pamplona's Sanfermines, dominate, the Fêtes de la Madeleine are distinguished by their own colors: blue and white, from the historical coat of arms of Mont-de-Marsan. This peculiarity gives the Montoise féria a unique visual identity in the landscape of festivals in the Southwest.
Taurine shows at the Plumaçon
The beating heart of La Madeleine lies in the Plumaçon arena, which hosts an exceptional taurine program each year: five bullfights, two novilladas (with and without picadors), a Portuguese bullfight, a Landes competition, and formal Landes races. The greatest matadors in the world perform before the 7,000 spectators in the arena, making La Madeleine one of the most prestigious férias in France.
Concerts, bandas, and entertainment
Beyond the arena, the party invades the entire city. Twenty-one bandas liven up the streets and squares, while free concerts take place on several stages. The bodegas set up in the city center offer food and a festive atmosphere until the early morning. The cavalcade, a grand parade of decorated floats, is one of the week's highlights.
Traditions and entertainment for all
The Fêtes de la Madeleine are also a family event. An entire day is dedicated to children, with adapted entertainment, games, and shows. The program also includes popular meals, folkloric parades, fireworks, and numerous street animations. The opening ceremony, with the handing over of the keys of the city by the mayor to the youth of Mont-de-Marsan, officially launches the festivities.
National and international reach
The Fêtes de la Madeleine are one of the largest festive and taurine events in France, rivaling the férias of Bayonne, Dax, Nîmes, and Béziers. They contribute to the influence of Mont-de-Marsan as the capital of taurine and Landes culture, and are a major economic driver for the entire Landes department.
Practical information — La Madeleine
Access to Mont-de-Marsan
By car
Mont-de-Marsan is accessible via the A65 highway (Pau-Bordeaux) and national roads. During the festival, free park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts of the city with free shuttles to the city center. Parking in the center is strongly discouraged.
By train
The Mont-de-Marsan station is served by TER trains from Bordeaux and Dax. Additional trains are usually scheduled during the festival.
By bus
The XL'R bus network serves Mont-de-Marsan from the main towns in the Landes. Special lines operate during the festival.
Festival locations
The festivities take place throughout the city center of Mont-de-Marsan, with taurine shows at the Plumaçon arena (Place des Arènes). The bodegas are set up in the pedestrian center and on the main squares.
Schedule
Activities start each day in the morning with morning races and street entertainment. Bullfights take place in the evening at 6:00 PM in the arena. Concerts and evening entertainment continue until the early hours of the morning.
Prices
Access to street entertainment, concerts, and bodegas is free. Taurine shows in the arena are paid, with prices ranging from €10 to €90 depending on the show and seating. Ticket sales generally open in May on the festival management website.
Food
Numerous bodegas run by associations offer a variety of food based on local products: Bayonne ham, foie gras, duck breast, piperade, chipirons. Fast food stands are also present throughout the site.
Dress code
The traditional attire for the Fêtes de la Madeleine is blue and white. Wearing a blue scarf is highly encouraged to fully participate in the festive atmosphere.
Safety and information
- A first aid station and an infirmary are located on the festival site
- Water fountains are set up throughout the city center
- The city center is accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Pets are not allowed in the festive areas
Contact
Mont-de-Marsan Festival and Events Management
City Hall, Place du Général Leclerc, 40000 Mont-de-Marsan
Official website: www.montdemarsan.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — La Madeleine
Arènes du Plumaçon et centre-ville
Place des Arènes, 40000 Mont-de-Marsan