Fêtes de Bayonne is one of the most massive public events in the south of France. Held since 1932, Fêtes de Bayonne attracts more than 1 million people, reveling on the streets of Bayonne, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques sub-prefecture, about 3 hours from Toulouse. The Bayonne festival is the largest party in France!
Fetes de Bayonne revelers wear white clothes with red scarves and red belts. These are the colors of the city of Pamplona. The festivities celebrate the culture of the Northern Basque Country with street performances, traditional dances, parades, fireworks, and even bullfighting. The 5-day event usually starts on Wednesday before the first Sunday of August or the last Sunday in July.
Festival Highlights
The opening ceremony of the Bayonne Festival features the traditional throwing of the city keys. The festivities also include three parades. The biggest one takes place on Sunday after the mass. A huge procession with plenty of music goes from the Saint-André church to the Bayonne town hall. The live music stage features Basque male choirs, choruses, bandas, folklore and contemporary music bands. Les Fetes de Bayonne ends with a large fireworks display.
Bullfighting (July 12-13, 2024)
Bullfighting is one of the biggest highlights of the Fêtes de Bayonne program. One corrida is performed on foot and another one on horseback. Both events take place at the Lachepaillet bullring, It's also worth to see the traditional cow races in Place Saint-André. In 2024, the White Bullfight will take place on July 12, featuring ganadero duo Monte La Ermita – Juan Manuel Criado. Corrida on horseback will take place on July 13, featuring Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, Léa Vicens, Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, and Romao Tenerio.
Peñas
Peñas are local groups responsible for most of the entertainment and fun activities during the festival. Bayonne’s peñas usually consist of friends and neighbors who work hard throughout the year to come up with original ideas to renew the festival program.
Festival Pass
Festival-goers need to purchase the Festival Pass bracelet to access the festival site on certain days. In particular, the bracelet must be worn on the wrist on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wednesday and Thursday will have free admission. The festival is free of charge for Bayonne residents and people working within the perimeter. The bracelet costs €12, and it can be purchased online on the festival's official website (listed below) or at post offices in Bayonne.
History
The festival was initiated in 1932 by a group of rugby players who wanted to recreate an event similar to the Sanfermines of Pamplona. The then-Bayonne mayor, Joseph Garat, supported the project, and a special committee was set up to organize the festival. The first Bayonne Festival took place on July 13, 1932. Fêtes de Bayonne celebrates the joy of living and the pleasure of being together.
