Hundreds of years ago, a Basque sailor who sailed alongside Christopher Columbus returned to his native town bearing dark-red chili peppers. This spice, now known as Piment d’Espelette, has since become a cornerstone of Basque cuisine. Each year, the Espelette Pepper Festival (Fête du Piment) commemorates this cultural and culinary heritage during the final weekend of October. The festival transforms the picturesque city with traditional music, lively Basque dances, and spirited sports competitions, highlighting the significance of the pepper in both flavor and tradition.
Programme
On Saturday, festivities kick off with Basque dances performed by Ezpela at the fronton at 3:30 pm, followed by a concert featuring the Ezpeletan Kantuz men's choir at 5 pm at Saint-Etienne church. Meanwhile, bands and musicians will entertain visitors throughout the village streets. In the evening, a popular dinner with entertainment will be served under the covered market halls, where attendees can also watch the Rugby World Cup Final.
Sunday begins with a solemn mass at 10 am accompanied by the Espelette choir and the Ezpeletarrak drum and bugle band, followed by the blessing of the peppers. At 11 am, a parade of brotherhoods will wind through the streets, showcasing local traditions. Bars and restaurants in the city will offer an aperitif meal at 12:30 pm, followed by a gala meal for the brotherhoods at 1 pm. In the afternoon, the Bandas Festival will feature performances by The Makilaris at 3:30 pm at the pediment. Throughout both days, visitors can also enjoy a gastronomic fair and purchase peppers and regional products at stalls set up throughout the village.
Tickets, Schedule & Parking
Shuttle services are available for €2 to €2.5 per trip, departing from several locations: Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle at Souraïde church, Cambo-les-Bains bus station, and Erreka farm in Itxassou, Larressorre. Operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Saturdays and from 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays. For those traveling by camper vans, a designated parking area is provided in the Errobi area in Itxassou.
Espelette Peppers
When the summer comes to an end, people harvest the peppers and hang them up on facades, windows, and balconies of houses to allow them to dry out. The harvest is at its peak for ten weeks between mid-August and late October, but the season continues well into November and until December 1st, when the first frosts come. The houses in Espelette are mostly white. As a result, the entire town turns into a perfect scenery for taking some pictures and videos.
Practical info
What is the time to visit Espelette for the Piment d’Espelette harvest?
The Espelette town is famous for Piment d'Espelette, and the harvest season is from mid-August to late October. The harvest starts in late October and continues until the first frost arrives on December 1st. You can combine your visit with the annual Espelette Pepper Festival celebrated on the last weekend of October. Show more
What is the best shop to buy Piment d'Espelette from Espelette town?
Espelette town has various shops where you can buy Piment d'Espelette. But it is essential to look for the AOC label to ensure that the spice is authentic. La Maison du Piment and l'Atelier du Piment are two famous shops in the town where you can buy freshly harvested Piment d'Espelette. You can also taste the spice in the dishes served in many local restaurants. Show more
Which other cultural festivals are celebrated in Espelette?
Espelette town celebrates various cultural festivals throughout the year. Pottok Day is held in June, which celebrates the Basque ponies. The Basque strength championship takes place in September. In June, The Flower and Honey Festival is organized in town, showcasing the flower creations and honey status. Beltxak and Christmas markets are also popular festivals celebrated in Espelette town. Show more
What are the unique dishes that use Piment d'Espelette in Espelette?
Piment d'Espelette is a vital ingredient in Basque cuisine, and its flavor is used in many traditional dishes such as Axoa, Poulet Basque, and Stuffed peppers. Basque Piperade, made of egg, onion, tomato, and red peppers flavored with Piment d'Espelette, is also popular. You can try the Espelette pepper ice cream and chocolate-coated Piment d'Espelette, which are unique dishes famous in Espelette town. Show more
How to participate in the sports competitions held during the Espelette Pepper Festival?
Espelette Pepper Festival, celebrating the annual harvest of Piment d'Espelette, organizes several sports activities, including pepper tossing, wood cutting, and Basque pelota. However, to participate, you must be a member of a traditional Basque club. But even if you cannot participate, the festival spirit is great, and you can enjoy watching the various teams competing. You can also join the public dance shows in the streets, and the town transforms into a massive party place during the festival. Show more
