Fêtes de Bayonne 2026: dates, programme, what to wear and tips

Every summer, more than a million festayres (festival-goers — 1.1 million in 2025, according to the town hall) descend on Bayonne (Baiona) — a town of around 54,000 people — for 5 days of partying. White and red are a must. Here is everything you need to enjoy the 2026 Fêtes.

The 2026 dates and the origins

2026 dates: from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 July 2026.

Origins: the first Fêtes de Bayonne (then called the ‘great summer festivities’, grandes fêtes d’été) took place in 1932, the brainchild of a group of friends from the rugby section of Aviron Bayonnais, inspired by the Pamplona festival.

Why white and red? It is a nod to San Fermín in Pamplona. At the first Fêtes, in 1932, the colours were blue and white; the blue was later replaced by red.

Day-by-day programme

Wednesday 15 July — The opening

22:00: the Fêtes are opened from the town hall balcony. A white tide gathers at the foot of the town hall to wait for the ten strokes that mark the opening. King Léon (Roi Léon), the festival mascot, gets the festivities under way by throwing the keys of the town from the balcony.

Thursday to Saturday — The themed days

• Thursday 16 July: children’s day
• Friday 17 July: day of traditions and older people
• Saturday 18 July: local associations’ day

Every day at noon, King Léon wakes up to song, to the great delight of the little ones.

Sunday 19 July — The closing

Sunday is also the day of the masses. The closing ceremony, on the town hall square, marks the end of the Fêtes: every festayre then takes off their red scarf, and King Léon goes back to sleep at midnight.

Throughout the five days

Bullfights on foot and on horseback at the Lachepaillet bullring, a recortadores show, traditional cow races on place Saint-André, an illuminated parade (corso), the Foulée du Festayre running race, the world pepper omelette championship, and the children’s encierro.

The Fêtes pass

Since 2018, non-residents have had to pay to get into the Fêtes, in exchange for a wristband. In 2026, a €15 wristband is required from Friday to Sunday (free entry on Wednesday and Thursday). Check the conditions on the official website.

What to wear

• White clothes
• A red scarf knotted around the neck — not to be tied before the official opening
• Red accessories (sash, etc.)

Where to stay

Ideas: Biarritz, Anglet, Bidart, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or the south of the Landes.

How to survive 5 days

Drinking

• Kalimotxo — a mix of red wine and cola.

Bring water and keep yourself hydrated.

Resting

An afternoon nap helps you keep up the pace over several days.

Bullfighting — the ethical debate

Bullfights on foot and on horseback take place at the Lachepaillet bullring during the Fêtes, as well as traditional cow races on place Saint-André.

The debate: bullfighting remains controversial. It is up to each of you — the official programme gives details of the bullfighting events.

Alternatives without bulls: concerts, street entertainment, parades.

With children

Possible, but take precautions:

• Thursday: children’s day, plus King Léon’s wake-up every day at noon
• Evening: stay in well-lit public areas
• Avoid packed squares late at night — crushes, alcohol
• An ID wristband for every child
• A meeting point in case you get separated

Safety

• Pickpockets: cross-body bag, wallet in a closed pocket
• Glass: closed shoes recommended
• Heat: drink water constantly
• Crushes: stay together as a group

At night: stick to busy streets.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go to the Fêtes for free?

Partly. Since 2018, non-residents have had to pay for entry: in 2026, a €15 wristband is required from Friday to Sunday, with free entry on Wednesday and Thursday. Bullfights are paid for separately.

Do you need to speak Basque?

No, French is enough.

Can you go for just one day?

Yes — remember the wristband if you come between Friday and Sunday, and check the times of return trains.

Can you go without the white and red outfit?

Yes, but white and red is the tradition of the Fêtes, and almost all festayres wear it.

Is there an equivalent festival in Spain?

Yes, San Fermín in Pamplona (6–14 July), which inspired the Fêtes de Bayonne. Its bull run is world-famous — see our Pamplona guide.

Useful links

• Our full guide to Bayonne
• Biarritz — to stay nearby
• Anglet — to stay nearby
• Pamplona (San Fermín) — the Spanish equivalent

Biba Bayonne — Long live Bayonne.