The name Bayonne is inextricably linked with its famous Fêtes de Bayonne. But there’s much more to Bayonne than the only week at the end of July. Foire au jambon de Bayonne, carnivals, end-of-year celebrations, bullfights and concerts punctuate life in the Basque city throughout the year.
A year punctuated by several major events
Fêtes de Bayonne
At the end of July, time stands still in Bayonne. The Bayonnais are back in their white suits, scarves and red cinta, carefully put away since last year. Visitors flocked, and Bayonne became the festival capital for five days. Join us for the opening of the Fêtes, on the last Wednesday in July, in the Place de la Liberté. At 10 p.m. sharp, King Léon appeared on the balcony of the town hall, and jubilation swept through the city for five days and nights. During the holiday season, you can listen to both traditional Basque and Gascon songs as well as more alternative concerts; you can also eat taloa or a meal in a gourmet restaurant; you can watch the awakening of King Leon, at the dantzazpi (traditional dances), a cow race or a bullfight. The common denominator is the joy of being there and getting together, with family and friends, for five days of madness.
Did you know?
Did you notice that we used the term Fêtes de Bayonne and not Feria de Bayonne? Don’t make the mistake again: a feria is a week-long celebration of bullfighting and the toro. We’re talking about the Fêtes de Bayonne here; we’ll tell you all about the Feria de l’Atlantique and bullfighting in Bayonne in a few lines…
La Foire au jambon de Bayonne, since 1462
But the Fêtes de Bayonne are far from being the only festive event in town: the Foire au jambon de Bayonne has been held every year since 1462.
On Thursday morning, to open the fair, you can attend the competition for the best farmhouse Bayonne ham: the jury, made up of professionals, smells and probes the hams brought in by private individuals, and selects the overall winner, whose ham will then be auctioned off. Afterwards, discover the expertise of local cured meats artisans under the marquee on the esplanade Roland Barthes, where you can sample the jewel in the crown of local charcuterie. Finally, on Saturday morning, cheer on the peñas as they compete in a ham omelette contest. Do we need to spell it out? All this takes place in a lively atmosphere, to the rhythm of bandas and traditional songs.
Carnival, a true Basque tradition
Another Bayonne highlight is Carnival, which has been celebrated here since 1480. The Bayonnais come to judge San Patzar, a vile character symbolizing human greed. You can witness the condemnation of this character, central to Basque and Gascon carnivals, as he is burned at the stake on the Roland Barthes esplanade!
Fête de la musique
Hundreds of musicians take over the city’s squares and streets. All kinds of music are represented, from hip-hop to male chorus, from jazz to alternative rock. Don’t hesitate to consult the program: you might just find an intimate concert in a historic venue!
Did you know that Bayonne is France’s leading bullfighting town?
A text attests to the existence of bullfighting traditions as early as 1289. Aficion is still alive and well in the town, with no fewer than five bullfighting clubs. You can attend bullfights at the Lachepaillet bullring, during the Fêtes de Bayonne which celebrate this tradition, and especially during the Feria de l’Atlantique, on the first weekend in September. For three days, aficionados gather in the heart of the bullring, where casetas casetas to celebrate the toro and watch bullfights.
You can visit the Bayonne Arena all year round and discover this magical, almost mystical place.
Bayonne celebrates its chocolate
Bayonne celebrates its chocolate during the autumn. The Chocolate Academy offers conferences, events and tastings at various points in the city, tracing the joint history of chocolate and the city of Bayonne. And it goes without saying that whether you enjoy it as a slab, mousse, candy or hot, you’re sure to end the day with a beautiful chocolate moustache above your smile.
Bayonne celebrates Santa Claus and Olentzero
The last highlight of the year, Bayonne’s Christmas festivities take place throughout the month of December. The Ferris wheel is now part of the winter landscape at Place de la Liberté, while Santa’s village at Les Halles and the Christmas market at Place du Réduit will delight young and old alike.
You’ll also discover the legend of Olentzero, the coalman, who arrives at the time of the winter solstice. It brings you light and heralds the imminent arrival of longer, warmer days… better days. And children (big and small) will have the chance to taste his sweet fake charcoals or delicious candies.
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