Féria de Dax
The biggest feria in the Landes, five days of celebration in red and white
About Féria de Dax
The Féria de Dax, officially "Dax, la Feria!", is the largest feria in the Landes department and one of the most important in France. Every year in August, the spa town of Dax is adorned in red and white for five days and five nights of intense festivities, bringing together nearly 800,000 people. Bullfights and novilladas in the 8,000-seat arena, Landes bullfights, free concerts, costumed parades, bandas, fireworks, and entertainment for all make this event an unmissable rendezvous in the Southwest.
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Dax, la Feria!: The biggest festival in the Landes
The Féria de Dax is the largest festive event in the Landes department and one of the most prestigious férias in France, rivaling those of Bayonne, Nîmes, and Béziers. Every year in August, the spa town of Dax transforms to welcome nearly 800,000 festival-goers for five days and five nights of continuous celebration.
Red and White, Borrowed from Pamplona
The official attire for the Féria de Dax is red and white, clearly borrowed from the famous Sanfermines of Pamplona. This sartorial tradition, shared with other férias in the Southwest, creates a striking visual atmosphere in the city streets, where a sea of red and white invades the city center for the entire duration of the festivities.
An Exceptional Bullfighting Program
The Dax arena, with a capacity of 8,000 seats, hosts one of the most complete bullfighting programs in France. Each edition features five evening bullfights at 6 PM, novilladas with and without picadors, a rejón bullfight (on horseback), and the traditional Grand Concours Landais. The greatest Spanish and French matadors perform in these arenas, with tickets selling out as soon as ticket sales open in July.
Five Themed Days
Each day of the Féria de Dax is dedicated to a different theme that enriches the program:
- Dax la Landaise: A tribute to local traditions
- Dax for Children: A special program for the youngest
- Dax en Voix, Music: Over 600 musicians in the city
- Dax Folklores and World Music: A musical journey around the globe
- Dax in Lights: A grand finale with fireworks
Concerts, Bandas, and Entertainment
Beyond the arena, the Féria de Dax offers about fifteen events daily: quilles de neuf demonstrations, folk shows, free concerts, costumed parades recreating the city's Roman past, street performances, and children's entertainment. Bandas constantly roam the streets, creating a festive musical atmosphere from morning till dawn.
A Major Event for the Landes
The Féria de Dax is a considerable economic driver for the city and the department. General access to the festival is free throughout the city center, with only the bullfighting events in the arena being ticketed. This event contributes to the national and international renown of Dax, already famous for its thermal heritage and quality of life.
Practical information — Féria de Dax
Access to Dax
By Car
Dax is accessible via the A63 motorway (Bordeaux-Bayonne, Dax exit) and the A64 (Pau-Bayonne). During the feria, free park-and-ride facilities are set up on the outskirts with free shuttles to the city center. Parking in the city center is very limited.
By Train
The Dax train station is served by TGV from Paris (4h), Intercités from Bordeaux (2h), and regional TER trains. Additional trains are scheduled during the feria.
By Bus
The XL'R bus network serves Dax from the main towns in the Landes and Basque Country.
Festival Venues
The festivities take place throughout the city center of Dax, with bullfighting events at the Dax arena (boulevard Paul Lasaosa, Parc Théodore-Denis). The bodegas and estanquets are located in the pedestrianized center, around the hot springs and along the Adour river.
Schedule
Events start in the morning and continue until the early hours of the next day. Bullfights take place at 6:00 PM in the arena. Main concerts are held in the evening on various stages in the city center.
Prices
Access to the street festivities is completely free. Bullfighting events in the arena are ticketed, with prices varying depending on the show and seating. Ticket sales open in July on the official website daxlaferia.fr.
Food and Drink
Numerous estanquets and bodegas offer festive food based on local Landes products: foie gras, magret, confit, piperade, chipirons, Bayonne ham. Food stalls are present throughout the festival route.
Dress Code
The traditional attire is red and white: white trousers or skirt, white top, and a red scarf. Wearing a beret is also appreciated.
Safety
- First aid stations and infirmaries are located throughout the city center
- Water fountains and misters in case of high temperatures
- Luggage storage available
- Accessible area for people with reduced mobility at the arena
Contact
Dax, la Feria!
Hôtel de Ville, Place Roger Ducos, 40100 Dax
Official website: www.daxlaferia.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Féria de Dax at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Féria de Dax
Arènes de Dax et centre-ville
Boulevard Paul Lasaosa, 40100 Dax