Fêtes de Roquefort
Local festivals of Roquefort and Grand Novillada at La Monumental des Pins, taurine tradition of the Landes d'Armagnac
About Fêtes de Roquefort
Every August around the 15th, Roquefort, a town in the Landes d'Armagnac, celebrates its local festivals marked by an exceptional bullfighting program. La Monumental des Pins, the town's emblematic bullring, hosts the Grand Novillada with young bulls from the best breeding farms, as well as unpicqued novilladas in the morning. Bands, country meals, popular dances, and fireworks complete these festivities that perpetuate the taurine and festive tradition of the Landes d'Armagnac.
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The Fêtes de Roquefort: Taurine Tradition of the Landes d'Armagnac
In the heart of the Landes d'Armagnac, between pine forests and vineyards, Roquefort is a town that has preserved its Gascon identity and its passion for bullfighting. Its local festivals, organized each year around August 15th, are a must-attend event for bullfighting enthusiasts and lovers of Landes traditions. The highlight of these festivities is the Grand Novillada held in the bullring of La Monumental des Pins.
La Monumental des Pins: Roquefort's Taurine Temple
The bullring of La Monumental des Pins, located on Avenue des Arènes, is the stage for top-tier bullfighting shows. Built in the heart of the pine forest of Roquefort, it offers a unique and shaded setting for aficionados. The Roquefort Taurine Commission unveils the festival lineups each year, selecting the best novilleros and the most reputable breeding farms for high-quality shows.
The Grand Novillada of August 15th
August 15th is the big bullfighting day in Roquefort. In the morning, at 11 am, an unpicqued novillada opens the festivities with young bulls from regional farms. In the afternoon, at 6 pm, the Grand Novillada of La Monumental des Pins is the highlight of the program with six novillos (young bulls) from prestigious breeding farms. Bands accompany the shows, playing the traditional Cazérienne during the opening and closing parades, in an atmosphere of emotion and passion that characterizes the Landes bullrings.
Bands and Festive Atmosphere in the Streets
During the festivals, bands take over the streets of Roquefort, transforming the town into a vast festive stage. Brass and percussion bands parade under the plane trees, leading the white-clad revelers in a joyful dance. Peñas and casetas set up in the square offer tapas, grilled meats, and cold drinks, while popular dances keep the night owls dancing until dawn. A fireworks display illuminates the Roquefort sky in a spectacular finale.
Gascon Gastronomy and Conviviality
On-site catering allows spectators and revelers to enjoy Gascon specialties throughout the festivities. Magret grills, Landes tapas, moules-frites (mussels and fries), and pastis landais are offered under marquees and in casetas. Armagnac, the region's emblematic brandy, is naturally featured in the bars and refreshment stands of the festival.
Practical information — Fêtes de Roquefort
Practical Information
Dates and Times
The Fêtes de Roquefort are held each year around August 15th, over several days of festivities. August 15th is the main bullfighting day with an unpicqued novillada in the morning at 11 am and the Grand Novillada in the afternoon at 6 pm. Bands liven up the town's streets in the evening, accompanied by popular dances and fireworks. The detailed program and lineups are unveiled by the taurine commission in the spring.
Prices
- Access to street festivities: free
- Novilladas: paid entry to the La Monumental des Pins bullring (prices vary depending on the event)
- Catering: on-site at stands and casetas at reasonable prices
- Country meals: by reservation, menus between €12 and €18
Access
By car: Roquefort is located 20 km east of Mont-de-Marsan, on the D932. From the A65 motorway, take the Roquefort exit. From Mont-de-Marsan, take the D932 towards Bordeaux. Free parking around the bullring and in the town, with additional spaces set up during the festivals.
By train: Mont-de-Marsan station (20 km), then taxi or carpooling.
The Bullring
La Monumental des Pins bullring, Avenue des Arènes, 40120 Roquefort. The bullring is open for guided tours throughout the summer, allowing visitors to discover this place steeped in taurine history. The arena has a large capacity and is shaded by pine trees.
Catering
Catering stands and casetas offering grilled meats, tapas, Gascon specialties, and Armagnac throughout the festival. Catering available at the bullring on the day of the novilladas.
Accommodation
Rural gites, bed and breakfasts, and holiday rentals in the Landes d'Armagnac. Accommodation also available in Mont-de-Marsan and surrounding villages.
Practical Tips
- Novilladas: bring water and a hat, the bullring, although shaded, can be hot in August.
- Attire: white is the traditional color for Landes festivals.
- Armagnac: take advantage of your visit to explore the vineyards of the Landes d'Armagnac nearby.
Contact
Commission Taurine de Roquefort
Office de Tourisme des Landes d'Armagnac
Website: tourisme-landesdarmagnac.fr
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Where does it take place — Fêtes de Roquefort
Arènes La Monumental des Pins
Avenue des Arènes, 40120 Roquefort