Fêtes de Sabres

The Fêtes de la Saint-Leu in Sabres: Haute Lande celebrates

An emblematic village in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, Sabres is world-renowned for the Marquèze Écomusée, which recreates life in Grande Lande in the 19th century. But Sabres is also a lively town that perpetuates its festive traditions, notably through the Fêtes de la Saint-Leu, organized every end of August by a dynamic and passionate Comité des Fêtes.

The Cercle Taurin and Landes Races

Landes races are at the heart of the Sabres festivals. The local Cercle Taurin organizes shows in the village arena, where 'écarteurs' (bull dodgers) and 'sauteurs' (jumpers) face 'vaches coursières' (racing cows) in spectacular dodges and jumps. These introductions to Landes races, also offered during the Fête des savoirs et des saveurs in June, perpetuate an ancestral art that is the pride of Haute Lande and is inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage of France.

Bandas, Balls and Fireworks

The bandas, brass and percussion fanfares, are the sonic soul of the Fêtes de la Saint-Leu. They parade through the village streets, leading the festival-goers in a joyful and lively dance. The evenings are enlivened by popular dances with orchestras, cabaret evenings and concerts that get all generations dancing. The fireworks, launched from the heart of the village, illuminate the Haute Lande sky and are one of the highlights of the festivities.

Cycling Race and Sports Activities

The Fêtes de la Saint-Leu are also marked by sports activities that bring together athletes and spectators. The traditional cycling race attracts amateur cyclists from all over the region on a circuit that crosses the landscapes of the heath and pine forest. Foot races, pétanque tournaments and traditional Landes games complete a varied sports program that satisfies all tastes.

Outdoor Meals and Haute Lande Traditions

The outdoor meals during the Fêtes de Sabres are an opportunity to taste the specialties of Haute Lande. Grilled duck breast, duck confit, Landes salad and pastis landais are served under marquees set up in the village square. The friendly atmosphere of these meals, shared among neighbors, friends, and visitors, embodies the spirit of solidarity and joie de vivre that characterizes the Landes communities.