Fêtes de Morcenx

The Morcenx Festivals: the Landes celebration in Pays Morcenais

A former railway town that became a new commune under the name of Morcenx-la-Nouvelle, this town in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne perpetuates a festive tradition rooted in the identity of Pays Morcenais. Its local festivals, organised annually around the third Sunday of June, transform the town into a festive village for a weekend of celebrations that brings the entire community together.

The Landes Race: tradition and training

The Morcenx arenas host a non-competitive Landes race counting towards the Boléro d'Argent, the prestigious challenge that rewards the best 'écarteurs' (dodgers) and 'sauteurs' (jumpers) of the season. The originality of this race lies in the participation of three students from the federal bullfighting school Camille et Jules Bareyt, who are introduced to the arena under the gaze of aficionados. The racing cows are provided each year by a renowned Landes ganaderia, while the Harmonie La Cigale provides musical entertainment, with débisaïre Didier Goeytes setting the pace of the race on the microphone. Admission is free for children under 15 and FFCL licensees.

The Night of the Bandas and opening of the festivals

The official opening of the festivals takes place on Friday evening at 8 PM on Place Jean-Jaurès, with the bandas kicking off the festivities. The Night of the Bandas, a flagship event animated by Los Alegrios (Morcenx banda) among others, sees several brass and percussion bands from the South-West parade through the streets of Morcenx, creating an atmosphere of jubilation that extends late into the night.

The Festicourse: sport and conviviality

The Festicourse, whose 15th edition took place in 2025, is a popular sporting event organised on Saturday morning. It offers several formats: a 7 km walk starting at 9:30 AM, road races of 5, 10, and 15 km starting at 10:00 AM, and a short-distance Festicoursette reserved for children. This event, integrated into the local festival program, brings together experienced and amateur runners in a friendly and sporty atmosphere.

Scooter Race and entertainment

Another original entertainment at the Morcenx festivals, the scooter race brings participants together for hilarious and spectacular events in the town's streets. The popular dances liven up the evenings, mixing traditional 'papa' dances and disco nights. The estanquet, a traditional Landes game of skill, and the cycling race complete a varied program that satisfies all tastes. The country meals and food stalls allow visitors to enjoy Landes specialties throughout the festivities. The Morcenx-la-Nouvelle Festival Committee, with its 45 members, organises the event in close collaboration with local associations and ensures free access to a maximum number of activities.