Festivals and entertainment
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.
Fall under the spell of Basque lifestyle and culture
You don't need to visit the Basque Country to know that its traditions are deeply rooted. The pediments in towns and villages will remind you that here, pelota is the king of sports.
As you wander through the narrow streets of these picturesque towns, you'll fall under the spell of the colorful facades and architecture typical of the region, from which dried chillies hang. Want to experience different moods? Take the time to immerse yourself in Biarritz la Bourgeoise, with its beautiful villas overlooking the ocean. Then immerse yourself in Bayonne la Festive, which comes to life with the arrival of the warm weather and the approach of the férias.
Enjoy ham, sheep's milk cheese, pintxos, Biscayan-style cod and buy your favorite local produce at the market to take the edge off. Venture into the heart of Béarn and experience a complete change of scenery in the Pyrenees National Park , home to extraordinary unspoilt landscapes.
Treat yourself to a spa treatment to relax your muscles and start thinking about winter sports: the Basque Country takes on a different charm every season. For further information, please visit the website dedicated to tourism in the Basque Country.
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.
Holidays in Urrugne
- Les mardis d’Urrugne (Urrugne Tuesdays): Every Tuesday during the summer, a different free show is staged every week in the village square, featuring Basque dance or song, from 7 to 8.30pm. Then, from 8:30 pm, a pelota demonstration at the fronton.
- Fêtes d’Urrugne: Called “Bixintxo”, they take place at the beginning of September, from Wednesday to Sunday. Pedestrian corridas, livestock competitions, pelota games, balls, country meals, concerts, fandango competitions, fireworks, toro de fuego and funfairs all contribute to the village’s lively atmosphere.
Find out about other festivals in the Basque Country on theBasque Country Tourist Office website.
