Fêtes de Pontonx-sur-l'Adour

Pontonx en Fêtes: Four Days of Landes Ferver on the Adour

On the banks of the Adour, halfway between Dax and Mont-de-Marsan, the village of Pontonx-sur-l'Adour celebrates its patron saint festivals every late August with an energy and program that rivals the major ferias of the department. For four days, from Thursday to Sunday, this town of about 2,800 inhabitants transforms into a festive hub, attracting thousands of revelers from all over the southern Landes.

Landes Bullfights, the Highlight of the Festivals

The Landes bullfights are the beating heart of the Fêtes de Pontonx. Two formal bullfights are scheduled, on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, in the village's arena. The best 'écarteurs' (bull dodgers) and 'sauteurs' (jumpers) from the region compete against fighting cows, offering a spectacle of bravery and elegance accompanied by the bandas. On Sunday morning, a cockade competition offers a lighter and more accessible variation of the Landes taurine tradition.

The Parade and the Estanquet, Soul of the Festivals

The parade on Thursday evening kicks off the festivities in a spectacular atmosphere. Decorated floats, costumed groups, and bandas march through the streets of Pontonx, creating a colorful and musical procession that sets the village abuzz. The 'estanquet', a refreshment stand and gathering place located in the heart of the village, is open from Thursday to Sunday evening, serving as a permanent meeting point for revelers.

The Banda La Txunga Enlivens the Streets

The banda La Txunga is the emblematic musical group of Pontonx en Fêtes. This brass band livens up the village streets from morning to night, accompanying the Landes bullfights, the parade, and setting the mood at the estanquets. The Gascon breakfast on Friday morning, at 9:30 am, is a moment of typically Landes conviviality where local charcuterie and wines are enjoyed to the sound of the banda.

The Scooter Festival, an Original Attraction

The Scooter Festival, a fun and spectacular event, takes place over two days with a first stage on Friday at 11 am and a second at 3:30 pm. Participants compete on their scooters in timed challenges that bring laughter and applause from the audience. The award ceremony takes place on Sunday morning after mass. This original attraction has become one of the hallmarks of the Fêtes de Pontonx.

Sport, Music, and Traditions

The sports program includes the Run & Beer on Friday evening at 6 pm, a friendly fun run, a pétanque competition on Saturday from 8:30 am, and a Basque pelota tournament on Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm. The toro-ball on Sunday late afternoon offers a fun and participatory version of the bull game, open to all volunteers.

Concert, Fireworks, and Shows

Saturday evening is the highlight of the festivities with the OKDM concert at 9 pm followed by spectacular fireworks at 10:30 pm. A dance show on Saturday at 6:30 pm and the participatory 'Pot's Canta' activities on Sunday evening complete a rich cultural program. Musical podiums, hosted by DJs, keep the revelers dancing every night until the early morning.

An Emotional Closing

On Sunday evening, the lighting of the arena and the farewell to the banda bring an end to the four days of celebration in an emotional atmosphere. This concluding ritual, where the banda plays its final tunes under the arena lights, is a moment of communion among revelers who promise to meet again the following year.