Hiri Besta - Basque Festival of Hendaye

Hiri Besta: The Festival for All Generations

Hiri Besta (literally "the city festival" in Basque) is the most important festive event in Hendaye. Every year at the beginning of August, the entire town celebrates Basque culture and traditions in an atmosphere of conviviality and intergenerational sharing.

A Week of Cultural Preparation

The week preceding the festive weekend, cultural discovery workshops are organized at the Halles de Gaztelu to allow families to discover Basque culture:

• Basque Dance Classes
• Basque Folk Songs
• Traditional Games
• Workshops for Children

A Weekend of Intense Festivities

Friday: Hiri Besta - Opening

• Children's Corner: face painting, traditional Basque games, pony rides with Ta Lan the donkey, inflatable structures
• Festive Evening: local bands, refreshment stands, food provided by associations, traditional dances until 2 AM

Saturday: Hiri Besta - Race and Sport

• Hiri Besta Race: 5 km and 10 km courses through the town center, the beach, and the Bay of Txingudi
• Children's Races
• Basque Pelota Finals at the D. Ugarte fronton (3 PM)
• Evening entertainment and concerts

Sunday: Basque Festival

• Local Produce Market (9 AM - 1:30 PM)
• Solemn Mass at Saint-Vincent Church
• Rebot match at the fronton
• Presentation of young Basque couples
• Grand Parade of Floats and Bands starting from the train station (4:30 PM)
• Closing Concert and Fireworks

A Popular and Authentic Festival

Hiri Besta is a special time in Hendaye's life, where all generations come together to celebrate Basque identity. The port of Caneta, Ondarraitz stadium, the D. Ugarte fronton, and the Place de la République become the stages for an authentic festival that makes the people of Hendaye proud.