Fêtes de Sare

The most popular festivals in the Basque Country inland

The Fêtes de Sare — Sarako Bestak are an eagerly awaited annual event for the entire Basque Country. For five days in September, this village of 2,500 inhabitants nestled at the foot of the Rhune transforms into the capital of Basque festivities, attracting thousands of visitors to share the warm and authentic atmosphere of these celebrations rooted in Labourdin traditions.

A program between rural life and tradition

The Sarako Bestak are distinguished by their connection to the rural and pastoral life of the village. The agricultural competition, reserved for Sare breeders, is one of the highlights that reminds us that Sare remains a village of breeders and shepherds despite its tourist appeal. The closing day offers a rare combination of shows and traditions: the Pontx the clown show for children in the morning, followed by bare-hand pelota competitions in the afternoon, the bertso poteoa (Basque poetic improvisation joust) with renowned bertsulari, and the festive evening.

Memorable evenings

The evenings of the Sarako Bestak are renowned throughout the Basque Country. The musical program offers a succession of atmospheres: the txaranga (small street bands) liven up the streets in the early evening, followed by orchestras such as Bulego or Dupla. The burrunba, a lively traditional Basque dance, precedes the ball animated by groups like Joselu Anaiak. Fireworks light up the Sare sky as the highlight of the closing evening. Throughout the evening, gaitero (bagpipers) and txistulari (txistu players) roam the streets, while village associations run the taloak (food stalls) in Keinu square.

Sare, an exceptional village

Sare, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is a jewel of Labourdin heritage. Its traditional houses with whitewashed walls and wooden half-timbers, its 17th-century church, its prehistoric caves, and its location at the foot of the legendary Rhune little train make it one of the most visited villages in the Basque Country. The Sarako Bestak are a reflection of this strong identity, a moment when the village community, the Sarako Gazteria (festival committee), celebrates its roots and shares its way of life with all who have the chance to participate.