Fêtes de Nérac

The Fêtes de Nérac: The Great Festive Tradition of the Pays d'Albret

Every year in May, the town of Nérac, former capital of the Pays d'Albret located in Lot-et-Garonne, celebrates its May festivals with four to five days of intense festivities. Organized by the Comité des fêtes de Nérac, these days are a must-attend event for locals and visitors, blending age-old Gascon traditions with contemporary festive entertainment.

Tripettes: An Emblematic Dish at the Heart of the Festivals

Tasting the tripettes is the most emblematic moment of the Fêtes de Nérac. This traditional dish, made from veal tripe cooked in white wine and Armagnac, originates from Mme Castex's small restaurant, "Le Bon Coin," located on Avenue Georges Clémenceau. Every Saturday of the festival, starting at 8 AM, festival-goers gather at Place Saint-Marc for the traditional tripettes breakfast, followed by a tripettes lunch at noon. This culinary ritual, accompanied by fresh white wine, is an occasion for reunions among childhood friends from all over France.

The Flower Parade and the Bandas

The flower parade is one of the visual and festive highlights of these days. On Saturday evening, the parade of decorated floats winds through the streets of Nérac in one direction, then resumes on Sunday afternoon in the opposite direction, accompanied by bandas and batucadas whose brass and percussion instruments resonate throughout the town. Spectators line the streets to admire the floral arrangements and dance to the rhythm of the music.

Landes Bullfights at the Foirail

The Landes bullfights hold a central place in the Fêtes de Nérac program. On Saturday afternoon, an introduction to Landes bullfighting is offered to children from 2:30 PM at the Foirail, followed at 4:30 PM by a competitive Landes bullfight where 'écarté' performers and jumpers compete in skill against Landes cows. On Sunday, a formal Landes bullfight is organized at 5 PM, while Monday features a cocarde competition in the morning and arena games in the afternoon.

Fireworks and Musical Evenings

Monday evening concludes the festivals in style with a concert by the Municipal Band at Espace d'Albret at 9:15 PM, followed by the grand fireworks display at 10:15 PM, which lights up the Nérac sky. Throughout the festivals, the association bodegas set up at Place du Prieuré, on the Château esplanade, and Place Gisèle Halimi offer drinks and food in a friendly atmosphere.

A Funfair and Entertainment for All

The funfair sets up in the town for the entire duration of the festivities, much to the delight of families. On Saturday morning, a festive market is held on Rue du 8 Mai 1945, accompanied by bread, wine, and strawberry competitions at Place Saint-Marc. A fishing competition is also organized at Bourdillot. These Fêtes de Nérac are a moment of sharing and reunion very dear to the people of Nérac, perpetuating traditions rooted for generations in the collective memory of this historic Gascon town.