Fêtes de Morcenx

The Fêtes de Morcenx: Landes celebration in Pays Morcenais

Formerly a railway town that became a new municipality 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 the Pays Morcenais. Its local festivals, organized annually around the third Sunday of June, transform the town into a festive village for a weekend of revelry that brings the entire community together.

The Landes Race: Tradition and Training

The Morcenx arenas host a non-competitive Landes race counting for the Boléro d'Argent, the prestigious challenge that rewards the best 'écarteurs' and 'sauteurs' of the season. The originality of this race lies in the participation of three students from the Camille and Jules Bareyt federal bullfighting school, who are introduced to the arena under the watchful eyes of aficionados. The Cuadrilla Vincent Miura ranch provides the racing cows, while the Harmonie La Cigale provides the musical entertainment. Admission is free for children under 15 and FFCL license holders.

The Bandas Night 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 before the Radio 80 Show and its greatest hits. The Bandas Night is a flagship event that sees several brass and percussion bands from the Southwest parade through the streets of Morcenx, creating an atmosphere of jubilation that lasts late into the night.

The Festicourse: Sport and Camaraderie

The Festicourse, whose 15th edition took place in 2025, is a popular sporting event offering several formats: start at 9:30 AM for the walk, 10 AM for the 5, 10, and 15 km races, and 11:15 AM for the 800 m Festicoursette reserved for children. This event, organized as part of the local festivals, brings together seasoned runners and amateurs in a friendly and sporty atmosphere.

Scooter Race and Entertainment

Another original event of the Fêtes de Morcenx is the scooter race, which brings participants together for hilarious and spectacular races through the town's streets. Popular balls liven up the evenings, mixing traditional 'papa' dances with disco nights. The estanquet, a traditional Landes skill game, and the cycling race complete a varied program that satisfies all tastes. Outdoor meals and food stalls offer the chance to enjoy Landes specialties throughout the festivities.