Festival Têtes en l'Air

Festival Têtes en l'Air: When Dax Thinks Big

Since 2024, Dax has hosted a spectacular and free new festival: Têtes en l'Air. Born from the municipality's desire to create a unifying event around gigantism and street arts, this festival transforms the squares and streets of the spa town into an open-air theater populated by giants, stilt walkers, and monumental creations for three days.

Giants Invade Dax

The heart of the festival is the parade of giants. Gigantic figures from all over Europe—France, Spain, Catalonia, the Basque Country—parade through the streets of Dax, accompanied by big heads, bands, and batucadas. In 2026, 27 giants and 15 big heads will animate the procession, filling the city with color and sound in a festive and popular atmosphere.

150 Landes Stilt Walkers

Another highlight of the festival is the gathering of 150 Landes stilt walkers, a living tribute to the ancestral tradition of the shepherds of the Landes de Gascogne. Perched on their tchanques, they offer a dizzying spectacle blending tradition and modernity, between dance demonstrations and strolls through the streets of the city center.

A Monumental Participatory Work

Each edition invites an artistic company to create a monumental participatory work. In 2024, artist Olivier Grossetête designed a monumental cardboard castle built by the residents. In 2026, the company L'Homme debout is creating "Tourbillon," a giant wicker sculpture made during participatory workshops open to all from January to April.

Street Performances for Everyone

The festival features numerous street performances in the squares and esplanades of Dax: Clan Cabane by the company La Contrebande, L'atelier by the Spanish company Toc de Fusta, Le géant Bull'zique by the company L'Arreuhtrouvaille, Immo by the company Avril en Septembre. On Saturday evening, a luminous night parade illuminates the streets of the city center.

A Free and Family-Friendly Festival

All performances and activities of the Festival Têtes en l'Air are completely free. The event is for all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest, and makes a point of offering participatory and inclusive activities.