Fêtes de Bayonne
The biggest popular festivals in France in the heart of the Basque Country
2026
About Fêtes de Bayonne
Fêtes de Bayonne — edition 2026
The 2026 Fêtes de Bayonne, from July 15th to 19th
Bayonne turns red and white for five days and five nights. The 2026 edition features over a hundred balls, concerts, and events, with more than 1,000 musicians and 33 bandas under contract with the City, spread across Place de la Liberté, Place Paul-Bert, Carreau des Halles, Place de la République, Place Patxa, La Poterne, Porte d'Espagne, Porte de Mousserolles, and Place Jacques-Portes.
The 2026 poster was designed by Janick Tanguy, a graphic designer based in Anglet, chosen by public vote from five finalists. It depicts a father carrying his son on his shoulders, alongside a joaldun and elements of Basque architecture: an image of transmission, the central theme of this year's edition.
Five days, five atmospheres
- Wednesday, July 15th — Opening Day: Foulée du festayre, World Chili Omelet Championship, followed by the opening ceremony and the throwing of the keys at Place de la Liberté.
- Thursday, July 16th — Children's and Live Music Day: Children's village at La Poterne, encierro txiki, and a day without amplified sound before 7:00 PM to give center stage to street music.
- Friday, July 17th — Traditions and Seniors Day: Seniors' meal, choirs and tamborradas, 'corrida blanche' at the Arènes, and a headline concert at Place de la Liberté.
- Saturday, July 18th — Associations Day: Gathering of the tamborradas, aerial demonstrations by the 1st RPIMa, grand horse-riding bullfight, and the first run of the illuminated parade.
- Sunday, July 19th — Closing Day: Bandas and Fêtes masses, official parade of the giants, Basque strength games, boat races on the Adour, followed by the closing ceremony and fireworks at midnight.
What's new this year
- A new giant, Léon Bonnat, created by artist Joanes Diez Mateos de Lezo in tribute to the Bayonne painter, a partnership between the Gaiteros du Roi Léon, the City, and the Musée Bonnat-Helleu.
- The first Junior Bandas Festival, on Thursday: nearly 300 musicians under 18, from various regions including a group from Scotland, will parade through the streets all day.
- A reimagined opening ceremony: No more mystery guest; the honored personalities—primarily local figures—are announced in advance.
- The centenary of the Académie Gasconne de Bayonne, celebrated with the Estanquet Gascon at 4 rue du Moulin and a dedicated float in the illuminated parade.
The Illuminated Parade (Corso lumineux)
The illuminated parade sets off at 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 18th, and Sunday, July 19th, from the Saint-Esprit district, crossing the city's three main areas. Ten Bayonne associations present their floats, built by volunteers around the theme "one float, one song": each float is inspired by a famous song, accompanied by musicians, stilt-walkers, and dancers. The floats are on display on Boulevard Alsace-Lorraine from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Bullfighting events
The Bayonne Arènes host three events during the Fêtes: the corrida blanche on Friday, July 17th at 6:30 PM, featuring bulls from Román Sorando for Clemente, Juan Leal, and Adrien Salenc "Adriano"; the grand horse-riding bullfight on Saturday, July 18th at 6:30 PM, with bulls from Romão Tenorio for Léa Vicens, Andy Cartagena, and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, accompanied by the forcados of Aposento da Moita; and the French Recorte Cup on Sunday, July 19th at 6:00 PM. Cow races take place at Place Paul-Bert (€5).
The Fêtes Pass
Entry to the festival perimeter is free on Wednesday and Thursday. From Friday, July 17th at 10:00 AM until Sunday, July 19th at midnight, a Fêtes Pass wristband costing €15 is required for access. It is free for those under 16 for all five days, for Bayonne residents, and for people working within the perimeter. It is sold online, at five Bayonne post offices, the Tourist Office, about 70 authorized retailers in the Basque Country and southern Landes, and at eight ticket booths installed at the city entrances from July 17th to 19th.
Highlights Fêtes de Bayonne 2026
- Opening ceremony and throwing of the keys on Wednesday, July 15th at 5:00 PM, Place de la Liberté, followed by the mascleta
- Headline concert with En Tol Sarmiento on Friday, July 17th at 10:15 PM, Place de la Liberté
- Corrida blanche on Friday, July 17th at 6:30 PM at the Arènes: bulls from Román Sorando for Clemente, Juan Leal, and Adrien Salenc
- Grand horse-riding bullfight on Saturday, July 18th at 6:30 PM: Léa Vicens, Andy Cartagena, and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, bulls from Romão Tenorio
- Illuminated parade (Corso lumineux) at 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th, ten floats on the theme "one float, one song"
- First Junior Bandas Festival on Thursday, July 16th: nearly 300 musicians under 18, including a group from Scotland
- The new giant Léon Bonnat joins the official giants' parade on Sunday, July 19th at 12:00 PM, Place Saint-André
- Encierro Txiki, wheeled bull runs for children, on Thursday, July 16th at 11:00 AM, Place Saint-André
- Cow races at Place Paul-Bert (€5): Thursday and Friday at 5:00 PM, Saturday at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Waking of King Léon every day at noon, Place de la Liberté
- Closing ceremony and fireworks on Sunday, July 19th at midnight, Place de la Liberté
Programme Fêtes de Bayonne 2026
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — Opening Day
- 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM — Foulée du festayre, 25th edition · from Biarritz to Bayonne
- 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM — Pirogue en fête · on the Nive
- 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM — World Chili Omelet Championship · Place Paul-Bert
- 11:00 AM — "Zazpi Jauziak": dance initiation (ages 7+, free with reservation) · Didam
- 4:00 PM — Opening ceremony · Place de la Liberté: Harmonie bayonnaise and Baionako Tamborrada (4:00 PM), balcony entertainment (4:45 PM), throwing of the keys (5:00 PM), mascleta (5:10 PM)
- 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM — Mouss'Roll: entertainment, concerts, food · Porte de Mousserolles
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Open Caco Dendary, paleta gomme pleine semi-finals · Rail Bayonnais fronton (free entry)
- 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM — Musik'Halles evening, street music · Carreau des Halles
- 7:00 PM — Karrikaldi, opening with Bilabal: Bilaka taldea · Place Jacques-Portes
- 7:30 PM — Fêtes Masters, bare-hand Basque pelota semi-final · J.-M. Mailharro trinquet
- 7:30 PM — Baionako Tamborrada concert, then TipiTapa bandas contest (8:00 PM) · Porte d'Espagne
- 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la Liberté: King Léon Zumba (7:30 PM), Los Marinos del Passo (8:00 PM-10:00 PM), Les Incognitos (10:00 PM-midnight), DJ Bobkat (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Concerts · Place Patxa
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place Paul-Bert: Orchestre Arpège (8:00 PM-midnight), Le Mix Spécial Féria (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Carreau des Halles: Balpores (8:30 PM-midnight), MixLive (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 10:00 PM — 80s cabaret evening by peña Txalaparta · rue Jacques-Laffitte
- 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM — Orchestre Pick Up · Place de la République
Thursday, July 16, 2026 — Children's and Live Music Day
No amplified sound before 7:00 PM, and the first edition of the junior bandas festival with nearly 300 musicians under 18.
- 9:00 AM — Dianas de Gaiteros · city center
- 10:00 AM — Betisoak Choco Yamboun morning · 10 rue Gosse
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the King Léon court parade with TipiTapa · Place Jacques-Portes
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — Family treasure hunt (free with reservation) · Basque Museum
- 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM — Place de la Liberté: Qi Gong (10:00 AM), aubade to King Léon (11:00 AM), waking of King Léon (12:00 PM)
- 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM — Red scarf customization with artist Andoni Maillart · Didam
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Tamborrada and Besteak giants parade · from Saint-André church to City Hall
- 10:45 AM — Warm-up then Encierro Txiki (11:00 AM): wheeled bull run by ganaderia Ardukari · Place Saint-André
- 11:00 AM to midnight — Estanquet Gascon of the Académie Gasconne Centenary: food, music, Gascon songs · 4 rue du Moulin
- 12:00 PM — Gurekin choir (city center) and Errobi Kanta choir (Saint-Esprit)
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Halles'Apéro with bandas · Carreau des Halles
- 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM — Children's Day · La Poterne
- 12:30 PM — Buhaminak and Haiz Egoa Basque choirs · Place de la République
- 5:00 PM — Senior bare-hand pelota with Esku Pilota players, then grand chistera demonstration by professionals from Mexico and the USA (6:00 PM) · Rail Bayonnais fronton
- 5:00 PM — Cow races (€5) · Place Paul-Bert
- 5:00 PM — (A)typical concert: Gaiteros du Roi Léon and Bestela choir · Saint-Esprit collegiate church
- 5:30 PM — Espadrille throwing contest with Or Konpon · Porte d'Espagne
- 6:00 PM — Xistera match, then joko garbi (7:00 PM) · Jean-Dauger fronton
- 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM — Pétanque tournament · avenue André-Malraux
- 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la Liberté: King Léon Zumba (7:30 PM), karaoke with Philippe Casi (8:00 PM-9:30 PM), Txokolatin (9:30 PM-11:00 PM), Salsa Timbayonne (11:00 PM-2:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place Paul-Bert: P'tit apéro musical (8:00 PM-10:00 PM), free sangria (10:00 PM-11:30 PM), Le Mix Spécial Féria (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Carreau des Halles: Eneko Artola (8:30 PM-midnight), MixLive (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 10:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Orchestre Miami · Place de la République
Friday, July 17, 2026 — Traditions and Seniors Day
The Fêtes Pass is required to enter the perimeter starting at 10:00 AM.
- 9:00 AM — Dianas de Gaiteros · city center
- 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Festayre Rugby Touch tournament · Christian Belascain field
- 10:00 AM — Betisoak Choco Yamboun morning · 10 rue Gosse
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the King Léon court parade with TipiTapa · Place Jacques-Portes
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Place de la Liberté: Pilates (10:00 AM), aubade to King Léon (11:00 AM), waking of King Léon (12:00 PM)
- 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM — Erro Bat Tamborrada parade, departure Porte d'Espagne
- 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM — "Pala d'Or" pelota tournament · René Cassin high school
- 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Trapu-Tzar choir · Saint-Esprit district
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Halles'Apéro with bandas · Carreau des Halles
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM — Seniors' meal · La Salle Saint-Bernard college
- 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Gure Plaza: gaiteros, karaoke · Place Montaut
- 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Concerts · La Poterne
- 12:30 PM — Aizkoa men's choir · Mediatheque square
- 5:00 PM — (A)typical concert: Larre Alde Trikitilariak and Xaramela choir · Synagogue
- 5:00 PM — Cow races (€5) · Place Paul-Bert
- 6:30 PM — Corrida blanche · Arènes: bulls from Román Sorando for Clemente, Juan Leal, and Adrien Salenc "Adriano"
- 6:30 PM — Zumba dance at the fronton, then grand chistera match (7:30 PM) · Jean-Dauger fronton
- 7:00 PM — Amicale Saint-Léon concerts: Pong Orchestra (7:00 PM), Kiwi 22 (9:00 PM) · Porte d'Espagne
- 7:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Concerts · Place Patxa
- 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la Liberté: King Léon Zumba (7:30 PM), Julie Rouault (8:30 PM-9:30 PM), headline concert with En Tol Sarmiento (10:15 PM-11:30 PM), Philippe Casi (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place Paul-Bert: Patxa Mama (8:00 PM-11:00 PM), Le Mix Spécial Féria (11:30 PM-2:30 AM)
- 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Carreau des Halles: Eneko Artola (8:30 PM-midnight), MixLive (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 10:00 PM — Latino cabaret evening by peña Txalaparta · rue Jacques-Laffitte
- 10:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la République: All Apologies (10:00 PM-midnight), DJ Yossi (12:30 AM-2:30 AM)
Saturday, July 18, 2026 — Associations Day
- 9:00 AM — Dianas de Gaiteros · city center
- 9:00 AM — Fêtes de Bayonne Open, golf competition · Makila golf course, Bassussarry
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the King Léon court parade with TipiTapa · Place Jacques-Portes
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Women's and 1st series finals of the Open Caco Dendary, paleta gomme pleine · Rail Bayonnais fronton (free entry)
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM — Place de la Liberté: Qi Gong (10:00 AM), aerial activity demonstrations with the 1st RPIMa (11:00 AM), waking of King Léon (12:00 PM), Génération Séniors choir (12:15 PM)
- 10:30 AM — Tamborradas gathering and parade organized by Erro Bat, departure Porte d'Espagne
- 11:00 AM — Cow races (€5) · Place Paul-Bert
- 11:30 AM — Halles'Apéro with tamborradas · Carreau des Halles
- 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Gure Plaza: gaiteros, karaoke · Place Montaut
- 12:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Meals, entertainment, and concerts · La Poterne; concerts · Place Patxa
- 12:30 PM — Errobi Kanta choir · Mediatheque square
- 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM — Pétanque tournament · avenue André-Malraux
- 5:00 PM — Fêtes championship of beret throwing, then big pala match (6:00 PM) · Jean-Dauger fronton
- 5:00 PM — (A)typical concert: Herri Etxeko Txistu Banda and Montanhas e Ribera choir · Protestant Temple
- 5:00 PM — Cow races (€5) · Place Paul-Bert
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM — Fêtes rowing race between AB and SNB · on the Adour
- 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM — Corso float exhibition · boulevard Alsace-Lorraine
- 6:30 PM — Grand horse-riding bullfight · Arènes: bulls from Romão Tenorio for Léa Vicens, Andy Cartagena, and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, with the forcados of Aposento da Moita
- 7:00 PM — Concerts organized by Or Konpon: Indigo, Niko Etxart eta Hapa Hapa, Kuartz · Porte d'Espagne
- 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la Liberté: King Léon Zumba (7:30 PM), Orchestre Edantza (8:00 PM-10:00 PM), illuminated parade passage (10:00 PM-midnight), Orchestre Edantza (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place Paul-Bert: P'tit apéro musical (8:00 PM-10:00 PM), Orchestre Katxi (10:00 PM-midnight), Le Mix Spécial Féria (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM — Place de la République: Take The Ska Train (8:00 PM-9:30 PM), illuminated parade departure (10:00 PM), DJ Yossi (11:00 PM-2:30 AM)
- 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM — Carreau des Halles: Philippe Casi (8:30 PM-midnight), MixLive (midnight-2:30 AM)
- 10:00 PM — Illuminated parade (Corso lumineux), route through the city starting from the Saint-Esprit district
Sunday, July 19, 2026 — Closing Day
- 9:00 AM — Dianas de Gaiteros · city center
- 10:00 AM — Final of the 2026 Fêtes Masters · Jean-Marie Mailharro trinquet
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the Baionako Tamborrada from Besteak, through the city streets · avenue de Pampelune
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Place de la Liberté: Qi Gong (10:00 AM), flamenco with the Talia dance school (11:00 AM), waking of King Léon (12:00 PM), parade arrival (1:00 PM)
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Family mass · Saint-Esprit collegiate church
- 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM — Bandas mass (Saint-André church) and Fêtes mass (Sainte-Marie cathedral)
- 12:00 PM — Departure of the official parade of giants, bandas, and traditional groups · Place Saint-André
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM — Traditional boat races with Euskal Arrauak Baiona · on the Adour
- 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM — Bertso-pintxo, entertainment, and concerts · La Poterne
- 12:30 PM — Argileak choir · Place Pasteur
- 3:00 PM — Glittery guinguette by peña Txalaparta · rue Jacques-Laffitte
- 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM — Guinguette ball with Gérard Luc · Place de la République
- 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM — Basque strength games · Place Paul-Bert
- 6:00 PM — French Recorte Cup · Arènes
- 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM — Corso float exhibition · boulevard Alsace-Lorraine
- 6:00 PM to 1:30 AM — Place de la Liberté: Pong Orchestra and guests (6:00 PM), illuminated parade passage (10:00 PM), closing ceremony and fireworks (midnight), DJ Bobkat (12:15 AM-1:30 AM)
- 7:00 PM — Concerts organized by Haiz Egoa: Andoni Ollokiegi (7:00 PM), S.F.M. (8:45 PM) · Porte d'Espagne
- 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM — Place Paul-Bert: The Po-Liss Men, The Police tribute (7:00 PM-8:30 PM), Big Daddy Rock Band (8:30 PM-10:00 PM), Le Mix Spécial Féria (10:00 PM-1:30 AM)
- 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM — Carreau des Halles: Musik'halles (6:00 PM-7:30 PM), Balpores (7:30 PM-10:30 PM), MixLive (10:30 PM-1:30 AM)
- 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM — Place de la République: Big Band Côte Basque (8:00 PM-9:30 PM), illuminated parade departure (10:00 PM), DJ Yossi (11:00 PM-1:30 AM)
Karrikaldi — Place Jacques-Portes
- Wednesday 15: 7:00 PM opening, Bilabal with Bilaka taldea
- Thursday 16: Karrikaldi Ttiki "Oihanean Dantzan" (12:00 PM), Labourd children's singing championship (1:00 PM), Kukubird (3:00 PM), Leinua eskola (4:30 PM), Krexelak taldea (5:45 PM), Leinua txaranga (7:00 PM), Baionan Kantuz: Tuntuna (8:00 PM), Karrikadantza: TTUN taldea (9:15 PM)
- Friday 17: Patina txaranga (12:00 PM), GAIA Basque games and stone lifter (1:00 PM), Bost Axola taldea (3:00 PM), Makilari contest: Makilariak (4:30 PM), Hiruri taldea (5:45 PM), Leinua txaranga (7:00 PM), Baionan Kantuz: Ibaialdeko Koro (8:00 PM), Karrikadantza: Bekatxa taldea (9:15 PM)
- Saturday 18: Nat & Watson (12:00 PM), Los Piquillos txaranga (3:30 PM), Angeluarrak taldea (4:30 PM), Nafartar Joteroak (5:45 PM), Aiko taldea (7:00 PM), Baionan Kantuz: Tuntuna (8:00 PM), Karrikadantza: Aiko taldea (9:15 PM)
- Sunday 19: Atarrats (12:00 PM), Uztaritzeko txaranga (1:00 PM), Andoni Ollokiegi (2:00 PM), Orai Bat taldea (4:30 PM), Julie Rouault (5:45 PM), Orai Bat txaranga (7:00 PM), Baionan Kantuz: Tuntuna (8:00 PM), Karrikadantza: Rita Mutxiko taldea (9:15 PM)
Prices Fêtes de Bayonne 2026
Fêtes Pass mandatory from Friday, July 17th at 10:00 AM to Sunday, July 19th at midnight to enter the perimeter: €15 wristband, valid for all three days.
Free for those under 16 for the five days, for Bayonne residents, and for people working within the perimeter (free wristband to be collected).
Fêtes Pass sales: online at billetterie-fetes.bayonne.fr, at five Bayonne post offices, at the Tourist Office, at about 70 authorized retailers in the Basque Country and southern Landes, and at eight ticket booths installed at the city entrances from July 17th to 19th.
Cow races at Place Paul-Bert: €5.
Bullfighting events at the Arènes (corrida blanche on Friday, horse-riding bullfight on Saturday, French Recorte Cup on Sunday): paid entry, tickets at arenes.bayonne.fr.
Concerts, balls, parades, illuminated parade, and street entertainment: free access within the perimeter.
Practical information — Fêtes de Bayonne
Getting There
Bayonne is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers.
- By car: Take the A63 motorway and exit at Bayonne. Traffic and parking are prohibited within the security perimeter during the festival; it is best to avoid driving in the city center.
- By train: Arrive at Bayonne station. A special festival train service operates on the Dax - Bayonne and Hendaye - Bayonne lines (details at ter.sncf.com).
- By bus: Use the Txik Txak network. The festival shuttle bus runs from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM (last departure) for arrivals, and from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM for returns (until 3:00 AM on Sunday). Departures from Place des Basques for Anglet, Bayonne, Biarritz, Bidart, Boucau, Mouguerre, Ondres, Tarnos, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx, Saint-Pierre-d'Irube, and Villefranque; departures from Quai de Lesseps in Saint-Esprit for Ahetze, Arbonne, Arcangues, Ascain, Bardos, Bassussarry, Cambo-les-Bains, Espelette, Guiche, Hasparren, Lahonce, Larceveau, Mauléon, Sare, Saint-Esteben, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Palais, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, and Urt. Information: txiktxak.fr.
- By bike/scooter: Guarded parking is free daily from 11:30 AM to 4:00 AM. For accessible parking and taxi information, call 05 59 59 48 48.
Location
Bayonne city center: Place de la Liberté, Place Paul-Bert, Carreau des Halles, Place de la République, Place Patxa, La Poterne, Place Jacques-Portes, Porte d'Espagne, Porte de Mousserolles, and the Arènes de Bayonne (2 rue Alfred Boulant), 64100 Bayonne.
Tickets and Pricing
Access to the festival perimeter is free on Wednesday and Thursday. From Friday at 10:00 AM until Sunday at midnight, a €15 festival wristband (Pass Fêtes) is required for entry. It is free for those under 16, Bayonne residents, and those working within the perimeter. Purchase online at passfetes.bayonne.fr and billetterie-fetes.bayonne.fr, or at Bayonne post offices, the Tourist Office, authorized retailers in the Basque Country and southern Landes, and at ticket booths at city entrances. Cow running events at Place Paul-Bert (€5) and bullfighting shows at the Arènes require separate tickets; schedules and sales are available at arenes.bayonne.fr.
Festival Information Point
Located on Rue Bernède, opposite the City Hall, open from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. This is where you can collect your 'Cap'Fêtes' wristbands: partner establishments offer a free non-alcoholic drink to designated drivers (a valid driver's license must be presented).
Useful Contacts
- Festival Information and Tourist Office: 05 59 46 09 00
- Bayonne City Hall: 05 59 46 60 60
- Pass Fêtes Information: 05 59 46 63 41
- Lost and Found: 05 59 46 63 63
- Vehicle Impound: 05 59 23 68 68
- Full program available at fetes.bayonne.fr and on the 'Bayonne ma ville' app
Safety and Prevention
- First Aid Stations: Main station at the Maison des Associations, Glain parking lot, open daily from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Secondary stations at the Grand Bayonne school, Rue Albert 1er (daily 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM) and at the University, Allée des Platanes (Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Friday to Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 AM).
- Rest Areas: Square Gambetta and Jardin Public, open daily from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
- Maina, on the Esplanade de l'Échauguette: A space dedicated to preventing gender-based and sexual violence, open from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and until midnight on Saturday. An Addictions France stand is located at the Mousserolles campsite.
- Safe Havens: Peñas offering the 'Safe Toki' protocol and businesses displaying the 'Angela' sign are available to help anyone feeling unsafe.
- Hospital Victimology Unit: 09 83 86 73 06. Bayonne Bar Association Victim Support: 06 22 05 02 35.
- Video surveillance cameras are in operation in various public areas.
Bars and Conduct
Bars must close between 3:00 AM and 9:00 AM from Thursday to Sunday, and at 2:00 AM on Monday. Alcohol sales and consumption are prohibited in public spaces after bars close. Public urination is strictly forbidden and carries a €135 fine; toilets and urinals are available throughout the festival area, and cafes, bars, restaurants, and associations are required to keep their restrooms open to the public.
Accommodation
Bayonne and its surrounding area, including Anglet and Biarritz, offer a wide range of accommodation. Booking several months in advance is highly recommended due to high demand. The Mousserolles campsite opens the Tuesday before the festival at 8:00 AM and operates 24/7, with paid lockers and online booking at fetes.bayonne.fr. Wild camping is strictly prohibited and offenders will be fined.
Dining
Many peñas serve traditional meals, and restaurants, bars, and food stalls remain open throughout the festival. L'Estanquet Gascon, at 4 rue du Moulin, serves food continuously from 11:00 AM to midnight, featuring musical entertainment and traditional Gascon singing.
Recommended Gear
Wear white with a red scarf and sash to get into the festival spirit, and bring comfortable shoes for walking on the old town's cobblestones. Pets are strongly discouraged due to the large crowds and noise.
The Fêtes de Bayonne: five days of celebration in red and white
Every summer, Bayonne transforms into a huge open-air festival. The Fêtes de Bayonne, created in 1932 by a group of Bayonne residents inspired by the Sanfermines of Pamplona, have become the biggest festive gathering in France, attracting over a million participants over five days. From Wednesday to Sunday, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the bandas, Basque songs, and popular entertainment that invade every street, every square, and every neighborhood.
The opening and the handing over of the keys
The kickoff is given on Wednesday evening with the launch of the keys by King Léon from the balcony of the town hall, on the Place de la Liberté. This emblematic moment marks the official start of the festivities. Thousands of festival-goers dressed in white with red scarves and belts then invade the streets for five days of uninterrupted celebration.
Program and highlights
- Parades of giants and big heads: Traditional characters parade through the city streets, accompanied by bandas and Basque and Gascon folk groups.
- Cow races: In the streets of Petit Bayonne, the cow races are one of the most anticipated and spectacular moments of the festivals.
- Bullfights and bullfighting shows: The Bayonne Arena hosts prestigious bullfights with the best matadors, as well as novilladas for young bullfighters.
- Concerts and bandas: Dozens of bandas entertain the streets day and night, while free concerts are organized in the main squares of the city.
- Children's Day: Thursday is traditionally dedicated to the youngest with special entertainment, games, and adapted shows.
- Traditions Day: Friday honors Basque and Gascon traditions with demonstrations of Basque strength, traditional dances, and songs.
Festive neighborhoods
The festivals unfold in the different neighborhoods of Bayonne, each with its own atmosphere. Grand Bayonne hosts the official events around the cathedral and the market halls. Petit Bayonne, with its narrow streets lined with bars and peñas, is the beating heart of the popular festival. The quays of the Nive offer a magnificent setting for the festivities, between gastronomy and music.
Gastronomy and conviviality
The Fêtes de Bayonne are also a must-attend gastronomic event. The peñas, these festive associations that open their doors during the festivals, offer traditional meals in a friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy Bayonne ham, Espelette peppers, Basque cake, and Bayonne chocolate, accompanied by Irouléguy wines or Basque cider.
An event rooted in history
Since their creation in 1932, the Fêtes de Bayonne have continued to grow to become a major cultural phenomenon in the Southwest of France. They embody the dual identity of Bayonne, at the crossroads of Basque and Gascon cultures, and perpetuate age-old traditions while renewing themselves each year with new entertainment and new artists.
Where does it take place — Fêtes de Bayonne
Fêtes de Bayonne in brief
History of Fêtes de Bayonne
Edition 2025 Jul 2025Other festivals near Bayonne
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