Fête des Arsouillos
The taurine and festive celebration of Aire-sur-l'Adour
About Les Arsouillos
The Fête des Arsouillos is a festive and taurine event organized annually in Aire-sur-l'Adour by the Peña Los Arsouillos around May 1st. For four days, the town of Aire vibrates to the rhythm of encierros, novilladas in the Maurice Lauche arena, bandas, festive meals, and lively evenings. Combining Gascon taurine tradition, street music, and popular conviviality, this emblematic festival brings together several thousand participants in a colorful and warm atmosphere typical of the Southwest.
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Fête des Arsouillos: Aire-sur-l'Adour's Festive Tradition
The Fête des Arsouillos is one of the most popular events in Aire-sur-l'Adour, in the Landes region. Organized by the Peña Los Arsouillos, this four-day festival takes place annually around May 1st, transforming the town into a vast celebration space blending taurine tradition, music, and conviviality.
Encierros and Novilladas in the Arena
The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of taurine events. The encierro (release of young bulls in the streets) is one of the most anticipated moments, making the streets of Aire-sur-l'Adour resonate with the cheers of the crowd. The novillada, held in the Maurice Lauche arena, features young novilleros facing novillos from renowned breeders, offering a high-quality taurine spectacle.
Bandas, DJs, and Festive Evenings
Bandas are omnipresent throughout the festival, animating the streets, meals, and evenings with their lively brass music. The Désafío des Bandas pits musical groups against each other in a friendly musical challenge. Evenings are punctuated by DJ sets, foam parties, and concerts that extend the festivities late into the night at the Caseta des Yos in the Orangerie.
Festive and Gourmet Meals
The Banquet des Arsouillos is a gastronomic highlight of the festival, bringing guests together for generous dishes typical of the Southwest: rillettes, pâté, roasted suckling pig, and potatoes. This convivial meal at the Centre d'Animation embodies the festive and gourmet spirit of the celebration.
The Féria des Pitchouns
Saturday is dedicated to the youngest with the Féria des Pitchouns, an afternoon of entertainment specifically designed for children. Games, shows, and fun activities allow families to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere in a suitable setting.
An Ancient and Living Tradition
Created in the late 1980s, the Fête des Arsouillos perpetuates Gascon festive traditions by renewing them each year. The Peña Los Arsouillos, a pillar of community life in Aire, mobilizes dozens of volunteers to organize this unifying event that attracts visitors from all over the Southwest.
Practical information — Les Arsouillos
Festival Locations
The Fête des Arsouillos takes place in several emblematic locations in Aire-sur-l'Adour, all within close proximity:
- Arènes Maurice Lauche: Novilladas and taurine shows. The arena is the heart of the festival's taurine events, with a capacity allowing for excellent viewing conditions.
- Centre d'Animation: Banquet des Arsouillos and festive meals. A covered and convivial space for dining.
- Caseta des Yos at the Orangerie: Bandas, DJ sets, and night parties. The hub of evening festivities.
- Downtown Streets: Encierros (bull releases), Désafío des Bandas, and street entertainment.
Access
By Car
Aire-sur-l'Adour is accessible via the D932 from Mont-de-Marsan (30 min), the D934 from Pau (30 min), and the A65 from Bordeaux (1h40). Parking is available on the outskirts of the town center. Please note: some downtown streets are closed to traffic during encierros and events.
By Train
Aire-sur-l'Adour SNCF train station, Mont-de-Marsan - Pau line. The festival venues are a short walk from the station.
Prices
- Encierro: Free access
- Désafío des Bandas: Free access
- Novillada: Prices vary depending on seating (barriers, stands). Tickets available in advance or on-site.
- Banquet des Arsouillos: Price available upon reservation (generous menu with roasted suckling pig)
- DJ Set Mousse and Evenings: Free access or small participation fee
- Féria des Pitchouns: Free activities for children
Food & Drink
Food is available during the Banquet des Arsouillos at the Centre d'Animation (rillettes, pâté, roasted suckling pig with potatoes) and at various festive areas. Bars, fast food stalls, sandwiches, and tapas are available throughout the festival.
Safety
The encierros are managed by a strict security system including law enforcement, first aid personnel, and protective barriers. Compliance with safety instructions is mandatory. Intoxicated individuals are not permitted to participate in the bull releases. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Accommodation
Aire-sur-l'Adour offers various accommodation options: hotels, B&Bs, and a campsite. Booking in advance is recommended as accommodations fill up quickly during the festival. For information, contact the Aire-Eugénie Tourist Office: 05 58 71 64 70.
Contact
Peña Los Arsouillos
Phone: 05 58 71 64 70
Website: www.arsouillos.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Les Arsouillos
Arènes Maurice Lauche
Arènes Maurice Lauche, 40800 Aire-sur-l'Adour