Basque festivals and events
Hendaye Basque Festival
Since 1930, Hendaye’s Basque festival has been a one-day event (Sundays in August), offering the chance to discover many Basque traditions, including Basque pelota and the unmissable bandas. The day also features a parade of floats and other entertainment, punctuated by a popular ball followed by fireworks.
Fêtes d’Ascain
Ascain’s annual festivals take place over several days in August. The program of festivities includes card games, Basque pelota tournaments, Basque strength games, meals, omelette contests, dancing, concerts and other lively evenings. Inflatable structures are available for children in the village center.
Dove Festival, Ainhoa
The release of the goshawks is undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited part of this festival, which takes place every year in October. The Palombe festival is an event not to be missed if you stay at the Ibardin campsite in autumn to meet the locals, craftsmen and producers. The day is punctuated by music, Basque songs, cooking workshops and unusual works such as sculptures and the making of Espelette pepper ropes.
Sare Festival
For 5 days every year at the beginning of September, the village of Sare comes alive with its traditional festivities. From pelota games to running, from songs to bandas, concerts and fireworks, the packed program of festivities has plenty of surprises in store for all visitors, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Fêtes de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of France’s most beautiful villages, holds its annual festivities around August 15th. Basque strength, folklore, cow races, pelota games, Basque song and dance: these are just some of the Basque traditions on offer. A not-to-be-missed event in the Basque Country’s summer cultural program!
Ham Fair
Organized since 1462, the fair holds an annual Easter weekend competition for the town’s best ham. It’s an opportunity to meet local producers and taste ham cooked, accompanied or plain in several of the town’s restaurants.
Bayonne Festival
Now the 5th largest popular gathering in the world, the Fêtes de Bayonne began in 1932. For 5 days and 5 nights at the end of July, the town dresses up in red and white, the traditional attire of the “Festayres”. Cow races, dances, songs, bandas, corsos, concerts, children’s games – there’s something for everyone!
Midsummer festivities
These traditional festivities take place in June, with a program for young and old alike: encierro ttiki, Basque strength games, Basque pelota, mutxikos, bandas parades, funfair, gastronomic competition, traditional Midsummer bonfires. Don’t forget to dress in traditional red and black.
Chilli festival
The reputation of the pepper festival extends beyond the Basque Country. On the last weekend in October, the Confrérie du Piment d’Espelette inducts new members. Espelette celebrates its “red gold” with concerts, pelota games and the sale of chillies and regional products.
