From August 14 to 18, 2019, one of the most anticipated Landes and Southwest France festivals of the year will take place: the Feria de Dax. For five days, the spa town, renowned for its beneficial hot waters, will welcome nearly a million visitors who enjoy bullfighting, parades, and traditional shows. Here’s an overview of the Dax festivities 2019 program.
The Dax Festivities, the French-style Sanfermines
The Feria de Dax is probably the cultural event in Southwest France that best reflects the Gascon identity, with a touch borrowed from Spain, particularly from the mythical San Fermín festivities in Pamplona. As in the capital of Navarre, tradition dictates, festival-goers visiting Dax during the Feria are required to wear white clothing adorned with a red scarf and belt. This attire, straight from Spain, is relatively recent. It only became popular in the 1990s, following the success of the Bayonne Festivities.
Dax Festivities: from Agricultural Fair to Recognized Traditional Festival
Since the Middle Ages, Dax has organized annual agricultural fairs and markets. The former capital of Chalosse was an important regional economic center. These gatherings were an opportunity for farmers, breeders, and artisans to conduct trade. In the early 19th century, these gatherings began to take on a more festive turn and evolve into the event we know today. The recreational aspect gradually added to the commercial dimension. And to attract as many people as possible, it gradually shifted a few days on the calendar to occupy a pivotal date in the middle of summer: around August 15.
Feria De Dax 2019 Program
As every year, the Dax Festivities 2019 will bring together all the characteristic ingredients: Landes bull races, bullfighting competitions, traditional games, parades, gastronomic stalls to savor local products, concerts, children’s games, fireworks… And of course, a festive atmosphere from morning to night for 5 days, 24/7 for the most daring.
The Mayor of Dax is responsible for officially inaugurating the Feria at the town hall. The handing over of the city keys takes place in the presence of thousands of visitors, Roman riders, and bandas. The Dax Festivities conclude with a bullfight followed by traditional farewell music played in the arena by the official bandas. And between these two ceremonial sessions, five days of festivities rich in varied activities for all ages and audiences.
The Dax Festivities 2019 program will include several bullfights (including novilladas), a Landes day (the first day of the Feria), a grand parade, a day dedicated to children, several concerts in the town hall park, and fireworks followed by a closing concert on the last day. Children’s Day will allow young festival-goers to learn about bullfighting with a mini encierro, try their luck at the giant raffle, and attempt to be the first to cross the finish line of the juniorscapade. Adults will also have their 10 km race through the city streets, the Feriascapade, and other sports competitions: fishing and equestrian contests, tennis tournaments, Basque pelota…
Do you plan to attend the Dax Festivities 2019? Please note that the city center is closed to traffic during the day for the entire duration of the festivities. Shuttles are available from parking areas around Dax, Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul to facilitate access to the Feria.
More info at http://feria.dax.fr/