European Festival of Bandas y Peñas

53rd Edition — May 8, 9 and 10, 2026

The 53rd edition of the European Festival of Bandas y Peñas took place in Condom from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, true to its traditional appointment on the second weekend of May. Three days that multiplied the population of the Gers sub-prefecture by seven: the prefecture counted approximately 50,000 festival-goers in the streets of the city center.

Friday Night Headliners

The opening night on Friday, May 8, featured two non-competitive concerts on the main stage of Place Saint-Pierre: the Franco-Brazilian singer Luiza as the opening act, followed by Chef & The Gang, the rock band of Michelin-starred chef Philippe Etchebest. The official ceremony for the handover of the city's keys to the musicians opened the festivities at 6:30 PM.

Competitions and Awards

The general competition brought together 15 bandas, complemented by 5 bandas in the creation competition, 13 ensembles in the Rendez-vous des Bandas du Sud, and 4 groups in the Rendez-vous des Bandas Juniors. The Golden Palm (1st prize in the general competition) was awarded to Xaranga Mel de Romer, who also won the Golden Trumpet and the Golden Gascon. Les Sans Soucis obtained the Silver Trumpet and the title of Champion of France. La Band d'Heure completed the musical podium with the Bronze Trumpet. Les Bandastics de Brenne received the Golden Moon for their nocturnal performances.

Entertainment and Tradition

Throughout the weekend, uninterrupted parades, the Grand Paquito on Saturday at 5 PM, the 40th anniversary of Peña Languedoc, a Landes race at Espace Rive Gauche, a touch rugby match, and bodegas throughout the city brought Condom to life to the rhythm of brass and percussion. Sunday morning was dedicated to junior bandas, followed in the late afternoon by the traditional awards ceremony.

Assessment

According to the assessment published by the Gers prefecture, the edition took place in a climate that was « globally controlled given the attendance ». No reports of sexist or sexual violence were recorded via the « Ask Angela » system. The attendance of festival-goers with disabilities increased, as did the presence of musicians with disabilities, testifying to the organization's accessibility efforts.

Friday, May 8, 2026

• 6:30 PM — Opening ceremony and handover of the city's keys to the musicians (Place Saint-Pierre)
• 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM — Luiza · Franco-Brazilian singer (Main Stage, Place Saint-Pierre)
• 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM — Chef & The Gang · rock, with Philippe Etchebest on drums (Main Stage, Place Saint-Pierre)
• Bodega des Festayres: atmosphere with Les Fantaskes, Les Pistons, Laura Laffon
• 9:00 PM — Concert of the Bandas du Sud (Tente Festayre then wandering until midnight on the main stage)
• New for 2026: Paquito with 3 bandas followed by an aperitif

Saturday, May 9, 2026

• From 2 PM to 2 AM — Continuous general competition, parades and street entertainment throughout the city
• 3:00 PM — Landes race (Espace Rive Gauche, paid)
• 5:00 PM — Traditional Grand Paquito
• 7:00 PM — 40th anniversary concert of Peña Languedoc
• Touch rugby match at the stadium (free entry)
• 2:30 AM — Night competition of the bandas

Sunday, May 10, 2026

• 10:00 AM — Rendez-vous des Bandas Juniors
• 2:00 PM — Animation and tradition events
• 5:30 PM — Awards ceremony and results

2026 Awards

• Golden Palm (1st prize in the general competition): Xaranga Mel de Romer
• Golden Trumpet: Xaranga Mel de Romer
• Silver Trumpet: Les Sans Soucis (also Champion of France)
• Bronze Trumpet: La Band d'Heure
• Golden Gascon (tradition): Xaranga Mel de Romer
• Silver Gascon: Los Ronceros
• Golden Moon (night performances): Bandastics de Brenne
• Silver Moon: Les Amuses Geules de Grignols
• Bronze Moon: Renniw Brass Band
• Golden Saxophone (Children's Council Award): Hold Up Fanfare
• Silver Tambourine (animation): Les Sans Soucis
• Special Jury Prize: Pierrick Beaujard, composition « À Condom »

• 53rd edition · May 8-10, 2026 · approximately 50,000 festival-goers over 3 days
• Nearly 40 bandas from France, Spain, Mexico, and Belgium
• Headliners: Luiza and Chef & The Gang (Philippe Etchebest)
• Golden Palm won by Xaranga Mel de Romer
• 40th anniversary of Peña Languedoc
• No reports of SGBV via the « Ask Angela » system

Access

Condom is located in the Gers region, about 1h30 from Toulouse and 1h45 from Agen. Free parking at the entrance of the city.

Prices

Free access to banda parades in the streets. Paid concerts on stage. Landes races: €13.

Accommodation

Accommodation available in Condom and surrounding areas. Booking strongly recommended for the festival weekend.