Féria de Saint-Sever
The Saint-Jean Festival, first fair of the Landes summer
About Fêtes de Saint-Sever
The Fêtes de Saint-Sever, also known as the Fêtes de la Saint-Jean, traditionally open the Landes fair season at the summer solstice. For five days in June, the town of Cap de Gascogne is adorned in red and white to celebrate its bullfighting and festive traditions. Landes races and bullfights at the Henri Capdeville arena, street bull runs, concerts, bands, parades, gastronomic competitions, children's entertainment, and ballroom dancing make up a rich program that attracts thousands of festival-goers to the heart of Chalosse.
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The Fêtes de Saint-Sever: First Fair of the Summer
The Fêtes de Saint-Sever, traditionally called the Fêtes de la Saint-Jean, have the honor of opening the Landes fair season each year, around the summer solstice, at the end of June. This position in the festive calendar gives Saint-Sever a special role: it is here that the summer of celebration truly begins in the Landes.
The Town of Cap de Gascogne Celebrates
Saint-Sever, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Romanesque abbey on the Way of St. James, is also a land of bullfighting and festive traditions. Located in the heart of Chalosse, the town has lived to the rhythm of its festivals for generations, blending popular fervor, bullfighting culture, and Gascon conviviality.
Bullfighting Spectacles at the Arènes Henri Capdeville
The Arènes Henri Capdeville, built in 1932 on the Morlanne hill by architect Pomade, are the beating heart of the festivities. Oval in shape, suitable for both Landes races and bullfights, they host a quality bullfighting program each year: a prestigious bullfight on Sunday evening with renowned matadors, a Landes race competition with the best 'écarteurs' and 'sauteurs', and formal Landes races. The 'encierros' (cow runs) in the town streets add a touch of adrenaline to the festivities.
Five Days of Celebration in Red and White
The Fêtes de Saint-Sever program unfolds over five days:
- Free open-air concerts in the evening
- Parade of decorated floats through the town streets
- Bands and Gascon groups animating the streets
- Gastronomic competitions and popular meals
- Children's entertainment with scooter races and games
- Traditional mass at the abbey
- Ballroom dancing and evening parties
- Fireworks to close the event
A Living Heritage
The Fêtes de Saint-Sever embody the vitality of Gascon and Landes culture. They bring together thousands of people, dressed in red and white, who parade through the streets for the joy of the fiesta. Alongside the more media-hyped fairs of Mont-de-Marsan and Dax, the Saint-Sever festival remains an authentic and warm gathering, rooted in the history and heart of Chalosse.
Practical information — Fêtes de Saint-Sever
Access to Saint-Sever
By Car
Saint-Sever is located 18 km south of Mont-de-Marsan, accessible via the D933 and D924. Free parking is available on the outskirts of the town center, particularly on the allées de Morlanne and at the parking de la Poste. During the festival, some town center streets are closed to traffic, and a special parking plan is implemented.
By Public Transport
The XL'R network serves Saint-Sever from Mont-de-Marsan and neighboring towns. Additional shuttle services may be provided during the festival. Information available from the XL'R network at 09 70 87 04 00.
Festival Locations
The festivities take place in the historic town center of Saint-Sever, with bullfighting spectacles at the Arènes Henri Capdeville (Place de Morlanne). The 'bodegas' and 'estanquets' (food and drink stalls) are set up in the streets and squares of the center, notably around Place du Tour du Sol and Place de Verdun. The UNESCO-listed Romanesque abbey provides an exceptional heritage setting for the traditional festival mass.
Schedule
Activities begin in the late morning and continue late into the night. The bullfight takes place on Sunday evening at the arena. The Landes race competition is held on Tuesday evening at 9:30 PM. Morning 'encierros' liven up the streets early in the day. Main concerts are held in the evening in the central square.
Prices
Access to street entertainment, concerts, bands, and the parade is free. Bullfighting spectacles at the Arènes Henri Capdeville are paid. Tickets are available at tourist offices, online at billetweb.fr, and at the arena ticket offices on the day of the shows.
Dress Code
The traditional attire is red and white, as for most Landes fairs. Wearing a red scarf tied around the neck is strongly encouraged.
Food and Drink
The 'bodegas' and 'estanquets' run by local associations offer a variety of food based on products from Chalosse: foie gras, duck breast, confit, sheep cheese, and Tursan wines. Popular meals are organized during the festival, offering an opportunity to taste local gastronomic specialties in a friendly atmosphere.
Safety and Recommendations
- A first aid station is set up within the festival area
- Water fountains are available for cooling off
- Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated regularly
- Pets are not allowed in the performance areas
Contact
Association des Fêtes de Saint-Sever
Place de Morlanne, 40500 Saint-Sever
Official website: www.saint-sever.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Fêtes de Saint-Sever
Arènes Henri Capdeville et centre-ville
Place de Morlanne, 40500 Saint-Sever