The Dax Feria: a not-to-be-missed event in the Landes region

The Feria de Dax is an emblematic festival in south-west France. It's a not-to-be-missed event in the Landes region, attracting thousands of visitors every year eager to discover local culture and traditions. As you'll have gathered, the Feria de Dax is a popular festival with a festive feel! It takes place in the heart of summer during the month of August all over the town, and is generally close to the bullring. These festivities, deeply rooted in the local culture of Greater Dax, are a real immersion in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Landes region. Get your red scarf and white T-shirt ready, and don't forget your best sense of humour 😉 and you're all set to stroll alongside all the other festayres this year!

A tradition steeped in history

Feria or Ferias?

Derived from Castilian, the word "feria" means "fair". In the past, it was used to refer to bullfighting festivals in various forms, such as bullfights and bull runs. Today, the term is used to describe the days when a village celebrates with bullfighting events and shows. So we say a Feria when it concerns one town, and Ferias when there are several.

Where do the festivals of Dax come from?

The Dax Feria has its origins in the region's bullfighting and religious festivals. Like the fiestas in Bayonne and Mont-de-Marsan, these popular fiestas have always been a time for sharing in the broadest sense of the term since the Middle Ages. Since the 3rd half of the 20th century, this festive date in Dax has been consolidated around the public holiday of 15 August.

What about the Feria de Dax today?

These festivities have evolved over more than 100 years. The Feria de Dax is constantly growing and is a victim of its own success. That's why the Feria de Dax Committee voted to extend the period during which it is open to the public. Now regarded as a major event, the Feria de Grand Dax brings together all generations to enjoy shows, music, dance and bullfighting traditions. The people of Dax, dressed in white and red, welcome visitors with unparalleled hospitality, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Activities during the Dax Festivals

Bullfights

Bullfights and Landes races are at the heart of the Dax Feria. Each of these disciplines has its own specific characteristics. It is interesting to note that the actual practice of bullfighting differs from country to country. These shows, respectful of local traditions exempt from national bans, attract bullfighting fans from all over the world.

Concerts and entertainment

Music is omnipresent at Ferias, thanks to the bandas that roam the streets and liven things up. This concept of a travelling brass band originated in south-west France during the inter-war years of the 1930s, and really took off in 1961 with the first official Dacquois banda, Los Calientes. An orchestra providing musical accompaniment to the events taking place in the bullring, this passion for sound is now included in the French Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Also on hand these days during the Dax Feria, join in the free and ticketed concerts held at various venues around the town. The zen of the Feria with alcohol and aperitifs? It's because here you're offered a wide variety of musical genres.

Gastronomy

The Dax Feria is also an opportunity to sample the culinary specialities of the Landes. Take a tour of the many establishments on hand to spread the word about the smiles you'll be sharing thanks to the fine food you'll be tasting! The local food stands offer typical dishes such as duck breast, foie gras and the famous tapas. After that, how about a dessert? No problem: in the Landes, the local pastries are just as famous. Pastis, croustade or Madeleine de Dax? The hardest part will be deciding which dish to end your traditional Landes cuisine with 😋

Parades

Parades in traditional costumes and floats are highlights of the Feria, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of Dax and the surrounding area. The five themed days of the Feria de Dax will enable you to discover the full range of this festive palette, full of colour and good humour. The Feria de Dax parade welcomes folk groups from all over the world, who parade through the town with the Bandas.

A family event with a Feria atmosphere

The Feria de Dax is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. The atmosphere of this festival is transmitted and communicated from an early age! That's why specific activities for children, such as games, puppet shows and creative workshops, are organised to allow them to enjoy themselves in complete safety. Keeping our little ones occupied by taking part in the activities set up especially for them has many advantages.

The Feria dacquoise programme for our little ones includes

• Inflatable structures,
• Sports events,
• Discovery sessions,
• Adapted performances,
• Various competitions [...etc].

How do you get there? Go to the arena or its grounds from 9am on the day dedicated to them. Most of these fun activities are offered free of charge to families by the Dax Town Council and authorised participants.

Good to know For some activities and events, registration at the Tourist Office is required. Don't forget to get in touch with the relevant department so that your little one can take part in all the interactive entertainment provided during these festive traditions.

Practical tips for enjoying the Feria

Plan your stay

We strongly advise you to book your accommodation in advance, as the fair is very popular. Rentals fill up quickly during the Feria. And that's just as well: we're offering accommodation to all you festayres 🥳 We love you and your festive sense of humour!

So let's play a little game... To do so, answer these questions with ✔️ (yes) or ❌ (no):

1. Do you like being at the heart of the entertainment according to your desires and being able to go home more calmly once the party is over?
2. Do you enjoy the mornings with or without devatting at the beach to take a breather before getting back into the Feria atmosphere?
3. Does a 40-minute journey from a campsite in paradise to the festival site scare you?

▶️ You've had as much as ✔️? Then staying at our seaside campsite with all-in-one on-site services is for you! To reserve your place during the Dax Festivities: click here.

▶️ Did you get the maximum ❌? Dear Moussaillon, don't take off your emblematic scarf, you'll soon be joined by a whole lively community who'll have re-charged their batteries along the way 😁

Organise your Ferias evenings and share your regional humour!

Now let's talk about your must-have To Do List. We remind you that it's very important for any accomplished festayre.

• Dress in white and red: to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, adopt the traditional Feria dress code.
• Use public transport: to avoid traffic jams and make the most of the festivities, use public transport such as buses or the shuttles set up for the occasion.
• Respect traditions: the Feria de Dax is a cultural event with specific traditions. Respect local customs, especially during the bullfighting shows.
• The rest is up to you, as you experience it. Alcoholic or not, don't forget to be accompanied by Moderation and Parsimony. They'll be great companions, following you around and looking after you as much as you look after them 🥂

In summary for the Feria des fêtes de Dax

The Feria de Dax is much more than just a festival. For the Feria de Dax represents the soul and culture of the Landes region. Whether you're a Ferias regular or a first-time visitor, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and experience the festive spirit of the Feria de Dax and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this not-to-be-missed event!

Tags: Ferias de Dax, festival, Landes, traditions, culture, bullfights, Landes races, bandas, Landes gastronomy, holidays in France, tourism in the Landes, summer events, local festivals, family activities, bullfighting shows, traditional festivals, concerts, entertainment, parades, Dax.