Fêtes de Pouillon

The Fêtes de Pouillon: Taurine Traditions in the Kiwi Valley

Pouillon, a village of 3,000 inhabitants nestled in the Kiwi Valley in the southern Landes region, between Dax and Orthez, celebrates its local festivals every second weekend in July. This village with a rich taurine heritage boasts bullrings that host high-quality competitive Landes bullfights and taurine shows throughout the season. The Fêtes de Pouillon are a must-attend event on the Landes festive calendar.

Landes Bullfights and Arena Shows

The Pouillon bullrings are the beating heart of the festivities. On Sunday afternoon, a competitive Landes bullfight features the season's best 'écarteurs' (bull dodgers) and 'sauteurs' (jumpers) facing cows from the most renowned 'ganaderías' (bull ranches) in the Southwest. On Saturday evening, a dinner show in the bullring combines gastronomy and entertainment in the unique setting of the amphitheater, hosted by the Music'Hall orchestra. The art of the Landes bullfight, inscribed in France's intangible cultural heritage, is celebrated with passion.

Color Run, Bodegas, and Festive Evenings

One of the unique features of the Fêtes de Pouillon is the Friday evening color run, a fun race where participants are showered with colored powders in the village streets. Every evening, the bodegas of the 'peñas' (local clubs) and age groups liven up the squares and streets, with DJs and musical entertainment until the early morning. The evenings hosted by the class of 2027 and the festival committee follow one another in a festive and warm atmosphere.

July 14th: Fireworks and Popular Ball

Monday, July 14th, the national holiday, marks the highlight of the festivities. The day begins with the traditional flea market organized by RCPL (Rugby Club Pouillon Landes), followed by a ceremony at the war memorial. In the evening, the committee dinner, enlivened by the No Name Brass Band, precedes the fireworks that light up the Pouillon sky. The July 14th ball concludes the festivities in a patriotic and friendly atmosphere.

Rugby, Bandas, and Sporting Spirit

Rugby plays an important role in Pouillon's life, as evidenced by the rugby tournament organized on Saturday morning at the stadium by RCPL. The bandas, notably the group Los Campesinos, liven up the village streets and bodegas, providing the essential musical energy for Landes festivals. The sporting spirit and conviviality are the watchwords of these four days of celebration.

Gastronomy and Shared Moments

Meals punctuate the Fêtes de Pouillon: Friday's burger night, Saturday's dinner show in the bullring, Sunday's class banquet, and the committee dinner on Monday. The 'estanquets' (food stalls) offer tapas, grills, and drinks throughout the day, in a typically Landes atmosphere of sharing.