European Festival of Bandas y Peñas
The biggest gathering of bandas in Europe
2026
About Bandas in Condom
Bandas in Condom — edition 2026
The 53rd edition of the European Festival of Bandas y Peñas took place from May 8 to 10, 2026, in Condom (Gers), gathering over 50,000 festival-goers and nearly 40 bandas from France, Spain, Mexico, and Belgium. The 2026 Golden Palm was won by Xaranga Mel de Romer.
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.
Highlights Bandas in Condom 2026
- 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
Programme Bandas in Condom 2026
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 »
Prices Bandas in Condom 2026
Sunday: 15 €
3-day Pass: 47 to 50 € (preferential rate available during the first 24 hours of ticket sales in November 2025)
Free for children under 12
Landes race (Espace Rive Gauche): specific price on site
Bandas parades in the streets: free access
Official ticketing: billetterie.festik.net/festivaldebandas
Bandas in Condom — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held from 8 May to 10 May 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Bandas in Condom
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.
Bandas in Condom: 50 years of music and celebration
The European Festival of Bandas y Peñas was born in 1973 in Condom, in the heart of Gascony. For over 50 years, it has brought together music lovers of brass bands and bandas every second weekend of May for a unique event in Europe.
35 bandas and 2,000 musicians
The festival brings together over 35 bandas and 2,000 amateur musicians from all over Europe. The streets of Condom resonate with the sound of brass and percussion, with parades, street concerts, and friendly competitions. The atmosphere is one of celebration, conviviality, and sharing.
Concerts and entertainment
Beyond the bandas, the festival offers contemporary music concerts on the main stage. Renowned artists like Cali have performed in previous editions. Landes races, a touch rugby match, and street entertainment complete the program.
Bodegas and gastronomy
The bodegas set up throughout the city offer Gascon specialties and tapas. Armagnac flows freely in a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
Where does it take place — Bandas in Condom
Bandas in Condom in brief
History of Bandas in Condom
Edition 2025 May 2025Other festivals near Condom
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