Fêtes d'Espelette

Five days of celebration in the chili village

The Fêtes d'Espelette are the patronal festivals of this emblematic Basque village, recognized worldwide for its Espelette pepper AOP. Every year, from August 1st to 5th, the village adorns itself in its finest colors to celebrate five days of festivities blending ancestral Basque traditions, festive entertainment, and conviviality.

Basque dances and Basque strength

Basque dances hold a central place in the festivities. Local dance groups, in traditional costume, liven up the village streets and squares with choreographies rooted in centuries of tradition. The demonstrations of Basque strength (stone lifting, straw bale lifting, wood sawing) attract a passionate audience, as do the Basque pelota games played at the village fronton.

Tamborrada, bandas, and concerts

The tamborrada, a parade of companies to the sound of drums, winds through the streets of Espelette in a lively atmosphere. Musical bandas add their brass and percussion to the festive mood. Concerts with bands like Zea Mays and other Basque and local artists liven up the evenings under the stars. Basque songs, performed by local choirs, bring an emotional and cultural dimension to the festivities.

Funfair and popular meals

A funfair sets up in the village for the delight of families, with rides and attractions for all ages. Popular meals bring together guests and visitors around convivial tables where local specialties seasoned with Espelette pepper are enjoyed. The warm atmosphere and the generosity of the Basque welcome make these meals unforgettable moments of sharing.

An enchanting setting

The village of Espelette offers an exceptional setting for its festivals. The traditional houses with white facades and red or green half-timbers, adorned with garlands of chili peppers drying in the sun, create a picturesque and authentic decor. The cobbled streets, the fortified church, and the shaded squares add to the charm of this village, listed among the most beautiful in the Basque Country.