Culture & festivals
Fêtes de Bayonne
Five days and five nights dressed in white and red, since 1932. The 2027 edition runs from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 July.
- Dates
- Location
- Bayonne (Baiona) · Labourd
- Price
- Free entry Wednesday and Thursday; paid wristband Friday to Sunday (€15 in 2026)
- Official website
- fetes.bayonne.fr ↗
The Fêtes de Bayonne 2027 will take place from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 July. That means five days and five nights of partying in Bayonne (Baiona), dressed in white with a red scarf.
A festival born in 1932
The first Fêtes were organised in 1932 by former rugby players inspired by Pamplona’s Sanfermines. They had the backing of the mayor and of a committee set up for the occasion.
King Léon
The festival’s mascot, King Léon (Roi Léon), appears on Wednesday at 22:00 on the balcony of the town hall, before a crowd dressed in white. He then comes back every day at noon and withdraws on Sunday at midnight.
A typical programme
Based on the 2026 edition:
- Wednesday: opening
- Thursday: children’s day
- Friday: traditions and older people
- Saturday: associations
- Sunday: closing
The detailed 2027 programme will be published on the official Fêtes website.
The ‘Pass Fêtes’ wristband
Entry is free on Wednesday and Thursday. From Friday at 10:00 until Sunday at midnight, you need a wristband to get into the festival area. It cost €15 in 2026. You can buy it at the tourist office, online, at five post offices and, during the Fêtes, at eight ticket booths at the entrances.
Tips
- Book your accommodation early, or stay in a neighbouring town.
- To plan your visit, read our guide to the Fêtes de Bayonne.
City guide: our Bayonne guide.
Sources
Dates and times can change: always check the official website before you travel.