Fêtes de Bascons

The Fêtes de Bascons: at the heart of the memory of the Landes race

Bascons, a small village of 600 inhabitants located at the crossroads of bullfighting routes between Chalosse and Armagnac, holds a unique place in the history of the Landes race. It is here that the only museum in France entirely dedicated to the Landes race is located, and it is the only commune in the department to have two arenas still in operation, a situation found only in Madrid and Mexico in the bullfighting world.

The Landes Race Museum: living memory of a centuries-old art

The Musée de la Course Landaise de Bascons is a unique place, entirely dedicated to the preservation and promotion of this centuries-old Gascon art. Collections of 'écarteurs' costumes, old photographs, trophies, historical posters, and objects related to the Landes race trace several centuries of tradition. The museum also houses a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Course Landaise, a place of reflection and devotion for 'coursayres'. During the festivals, the museum is open to the public and offers guided tours.

Two arenas for one village

Bascons has two distinct arenas: the arenas of the bourg, in the heart of the village, and the arenas of Bostens, in the district of the same name. This exceptional feature testifies to the importance of the Landes race in the Bascon identity. Three Landes races punctuate the season: for Ascension, for Sainte-Madeleine at the Bostens arenas, and on August 15th for the patron saint's festival. These races, faithful to tradition, attract an audience of passionate connoisseurs.

The patron saint's festival of August 15th

The patron saint's festival of Bascons, organized around August 15th, is the highlight of the village's festive season. The Landes race at the bourg arenas is the main event, with 'écarteurs' and 'sauteurs' who perpetuate an art inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage of France. The bands liven up the village streets, while the outdoor meals bring villagers and visitors together around tables set up in the open air.

Gascon traditions and village conviviality

The Fêtes de Bascons are an expression of authentic village conviviality. The outdoor meal, served under the plane trees or a marquee, brings together several hundred guests around generous Gascon menus: garbure, confit, magret, pastis landais, and armagnac. The popular dances liven up the evenings, while traditional games (pétanque, skittles) fill the afternoons. The atmosphere of these human-scale festivals reflects the spirit of solidarity and sharing that characterizes the villages of the Landes.

The Festival of Notre-Dame de la Course Landaise

In addition to the patron saint's festival, Bascons annually celebrates the Festival of Notre-Dame de la Course Landaise at the museum and chapel. This day of reflection and festivities brings together the actors of the Landes race - 'écarteurs', 'sauteurs', breeders, aficionados - around a mass and a blessing, followed by entertainment and demonstrations. This unique event testifies to the spiritual and community dimension of the Landes race.