Food & drink
Espelette Pepper Festival
The big annual Espelette pepper festival at the end of October, with a mass to bless the peppers and cultural events.
- Dates
- Location
- Espelette (Ezpeleta) · Labourd
- Price
- Free
Every year, at the end of October, Espelette (Ezpeleta) celebrates its pepper. In 2026, the festival takes place on Sunday 25 October. It is organised by the Espelette pepper and axoa brotherhood (Confrérie du piment et de l’axoa d’Espelette), and entry is free.
2026 programme
- All day: food and craft fair in the village streets, bandas (brass bands) and musicians, free activities at the pepper interpretation centre.
- 10:00: solemn mass in the church with the Espelette choir and the Ezpeletarrak banda, followed by the blessing of the peppers and the parade of the brotherhoods.
- 12:00: induction ceremony and presentation of the ‘2026 pepper prize’.
- 12:30: lunch in the village’s bars and restaurants.
Programme to be confirmed with the tourist office (05 59 93 95 02) before you travel.
See also: Espelette (Ezpeleta).
Sources
Dates and times can change: always check the official website before you travel.