A showcase for Hendaye’s activities, the Fête Basque is the must-attend event of a summer on the Basque Coast, held every year on the 2nd weekend of August.
Dates: August 9 – 10 – 11, 2024
In Hendaye, the Fête Basque was born thanks to the initiative of mayor Léon Lannepouquet and his Comité des Fêtes. Originally, it was called the “Grande Kermesse Basque”. The date chosen was Sunday August 31, 1930.
A twofold objective was set:
- To entertain and interest the audience.
- To demonstrate that the legendary customs of the Basque Country were alive and well, and that they would be an attraction for visitors.
3 days of festivities kick off in the streets of the city center, with many associations offering meals and entertainment: this is Hiri Besta.
Since 2004, a number of associations and the Comité des Fêtes have been working together to develop 2 additional days of festivities around the Fête Basque, with a wide range of events: Hiri-Besta (the downtown festival) was born.
Blue and white are the colors of these 2 days.
Then on Sunday, it’s time for the cavalcade, a parade of floats that winds its way through the town, closely followed by the bandas, ending at the Ondarraitz stadium. The day is punctuated by a fireworks display.
La Fête Basque: THE festive event of the year
Historically, this festival was not confined to Basque dancing, as in the other provinces of the Northern Basque Country. Under the aegis of the Comité des Fêtes, the most aware Hendayans designed floats representing various scenes from the life of the Basque people.
To ensure the authenticity of the festival, the Mayor invited young people to take part in the event in traditional dress:
- For men: Chamara (blouse), “milrayas” pants, checked scarf, abarkas (sandals)…
- For women: Lepokoa (small shawl), blouse and bolero, apron with petticoat, espadrilles…
The cavalcade is opened by the Mayor and the parish priest, seated in their carriage. The dozen or so floats parade from the “Gare” district to the “Plage” district, to the sound of bandas and txarangas, the brass bands that play traditional Basque tunes. Groups of Basque dancers also enliven the procession.
Usually, it’s the float symbolizing the cider factory with the kupela (barrel) that brings the procession to a close.
The cavalcade ends its run at the Ondarraitz stadium, where all Hendayans from near and far gather. The curtain falls on this long weekend of festivities with the fireworks and ball.
Hiri Besta – The Basque festival on video
The Hiri Besta – Fête Basque 2024 program in detail
Downtown flea market
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Place de la République
Exhibitors, craftsmen, restaurants and shops from all over Henday will be there to share their bargains and products with you.
Textiles, accessories, jewelry, handicrafts, craft beers, bags, tea, coffee, cosmetics, decorative items…
Animation at 10:45 a.m.: participatory musical creation
The Urban Groove Band develops collective practice, listening, working together and enjoyment. The introduction to rhythm is suitable for all ages from 8 upwards, and provides a rapid introduction to musical enjoyment.
Up to 50 people can play together (equipment supplied).
- 6:00 pm: Sardinade offered by Port de Caneta residents.
- 7:00 pm: Hiri Besta 5 and 10 km races, start and finish in front of the town hall.
Registration at the Halles de Gaztelu, on the day or online:
- 7:00 – 8:00 pm: Zarpai Banda parade through the streets of the town center.
- 8:00 pm: official opening of the festivities from the balcony of the town hall
and presentation of race prizes.
- From 8:30 pm: entertainment in the streets of the town center with the Zarpaï Banda, the Baiona Banda, the Genêts Banda.
Aperitif and catering at stalls run by local associations (see map):
- Zarpaï Banda
- Eglantines
- Stade Hendayais Rugby
- Amicale des Pompiers
- A.V.H.U.
- Stade Hendayais Handball
- Club Nation Hendaye
- Alaiak
- Escale de Pellot
- Hendaitz
- Gaztelu Zahar
- Caneta residents
- 10:30pm: concert by the band “SFM”, Place de la République.
- 00:00: DJ “Teemo”, Place de la République.
- 10h00 – 14h00: “Place aux enfants“, on Place de la République and Rue du Port:
- face painting and Basque games: wooden games from the Lyme Euskadi association
- horse-drawn carriage rides with Ta Lan donkey,
- “Euskal Parkea” – inflatable games
- exhibition of puppets based on old Basque trades
(stonecutter, seamstress, fisherman, blacksmith…).
- 11:00 am: presentation of festive scarves to children born since the last Fête Basque 2023 (registration at Les Halles de Gaztelu – 05 59 48 23 58).
- 11:30 am: Hiri Besta race for children.
- 3:00 pm: finals of the baline (Basque pelota) tournament at the Daniel Ugarte trinquet.
- 6:00 pm: “Encierro Ttiki” organized by the Zarpai Banda association, downtown.
- 6:30pm: “Mutxiko” by the group “Hendaiako Mutxiko Elkartea”, Place de la République.
- 7:30 pm: entertainment in the streets of the town center with the Baiona Banda and the Genets Banda.
Aperitif and food at stalls set up by local associations (see map):
- Zarpaï Banda
- Eglantines
- Stade Hendayais Rugby
- Amicale des Pompiers
- A.V.H.U.
- Stade Hendayais Handball
- Club Nation Hendaye
- Alaiak
- Escale de Pellot
- Hendaitz
- Gaztelu Zahar
- Caneta residents
- 10:00 pm: “Traditional Basque” ball led by the “Folkesi” group, Place de la République.
- 9am – 1:30pm: gastronomic and craft market
organized by Hendaye Tourisme et Commerce, on the esplanade of the Halles de Gaztelu.
- 10:00 am: mass with the participation of the Harmonie in Saint Vincent church.
- 10:30am: game of rebot (Basque pelota). Fronton Gaztelu-Zahar.
- 11:00 am – 3:00 pm: exhibition of floats created by local associations
(please note that it is strictly forbidden to ride on the floats), in the Gaztelu Zahar parking lot.
- 11:30am: presentation of Basque couples, hosted by the Jostallu Dultzaineroak.
Place de la République.
- 4:30pm: departure of the cavalcade of floats and bandas from the station forecourt.
- Around 7:00 pm: Arrival at the Ondarraitz stadium
Catering and refreshments on site (17 stalls to choose from).
- 7:30 pm: “Mutxiko” by the “Hendaiako Mutxiko Elkartea” group
- 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm: concert by the “Xiberoots” band
- From 10:30 pm: Dance with the ARPEGE band
- 11:00 pm: Fireworks display by Caballer pyrotechnics company from Valencia (Spain)
Practical information for Hiri Besta – Basque Country Festival 2024
- Procession opened by Zubietako Joaldunak, followed by the Giants and Bigheads, the Gaiteros.
- Horse-drawn carriage with Monsieur le Maire.
- Txistularis and Hendaiako Mutxiko Elkartea, for Basque dances.
- Char of the city of Irun.
List of floats, themes and bandas
1/ Luixa Association
“Olentzero” theme
Banda Txorongo – txaranga
2/ AKELARRE Association
“50 urte d’Akelarre” theme
Banda Koskola – txaranga
3/ Youth and digital services
“Pirata” theme
Banda Gauerdi – txaranga
4/ “Euskal Dantza” Association
Theme: “The history of Basque festivals”
Banda Oria – txaranga
5/ Elgarekin Bestak Association:
“Joaldunak” theme
Banda Tximeletak – txaranga
6/ Association Lagun Taldea
Theme: “Sangria and its chistera”
Banda Elutxa txaranga
7/ Association La Bande à Sorgina
“Laminak” theme
Banda Pasai – txaranga
8/ Association Pausukoak
Theme: “The San Juan odyssey”
Banda Deiadar – txaranga
9/ Association Etxekoak
Theme: “The cider house”
Banda Ezkabarte – txaranga
10/ Hendaye Futsal Association
Theme: “La partie de Mus”
Igandea txaranga
11/ Association Tennis Club Hendayais
“Espadrilles” theme
Banda Joselontxos txaranga
12/ Association Zarpaï Banda
Theme: “Roland Garros’s plane”
Zarpaï Banda
PLACE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
Parking and traffic will be prohibited from Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 5:30pm to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00am.
RUE DU PORT
- In the sections between Rue de la Liberté and Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, and Rue de l’Eglise and Boulevard du Général de Gaulle,
will be closed to parking and traffic from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am, - In front of number 45, the four parking bays will be reserved from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 6:00 am.
RUE DE L’ÉGLISE
In the section between Rue de la Gare and Rue de la Liberté, the following will be prohibited:
- To traffic:
except for users of Parking INDIGO who will be able to access the parking lot.- From Friday, August 9, 2024, 12:00 am to Saturday, August 10, 2024, 8:00 am,
- From Saturday, August 10, 2024, 3:00 pm to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
- Parking :
- From Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Saturday, August 10, 2024, 8:00 am,
- From Saturday, August 10, 2024, 3:00 pm to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
Refrigerated vehicles belonging to the Stade Hendayais and AVHU associations will be allowed to park on the Place de la République from Friday, August 9, 2024, 12:00 am to Sunday, August 11, 2024, 3:00 am.
RUE DE LA LIBERTÉ
The section between Rue de l’Eglise and Rue du Vieux Fort will be closed to parking and traffic from Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:30pm to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00am.
RUE DU COMMANDANT PASSICOT
- From numbers 1 to 5, parking will be prohibited from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am,
- The entire site will be closed to traffic, except for local residents, from Friday, August 9, 2024, 12:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
AVENUE DES MIMOSAS (section between Rue des Eucalyptus and no. 4 Avenue des Mimosas (entrance to the Residence EDERRA parking lot)),
Will be closed to parking and traffic from Sunday, August 11, 2024, 10:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 7:00 am,
RUE DU CHEMIN DE FER
Will be closed to traffic, except for local residents, from Friday, August 9, 2024, 4:00 pm to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
RUE DES LAURIERS
Will be closed to parking and traffic, except for local residents, from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
RUE DU SAUMON
Will be closed to parking and traffic, except for local residents, from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
RUE DU VIEUX FORT
The section between Rue du Jaïzquibel and Rue de la Liberté will be closed to traffic from 6:00 am on Friday, August 9, 2024 to 8:00 am on Monday, August 12, 2024.
BOULEVARD DU GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE
Between numbers 15 and 22, traffic will be prohibited from Friday, August 9, 2024, 6:00 pm to Saturday, August 10, 2024, 6:00 am and from Sunday, August 11, 2024, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Diversions will be set up at Rond-point de Belcenia and Rue de la Gare.
- The section between Rues des Déportés and de Belcenia will be closed on Sunday, August 11, 2024,
- At the parking lot, from 7:00 a.m. until the end of the float cavalcade,
- To traffic, from 3pm until the end of the float cavalcade.
RUE DE CANETA
The three parking bays located at number 2 will be closed to parking from Thursday, August 8, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
RUE DU NORD AND RUE DE FONTARRABIE
Parking and traffic will be prohibited, except for local residents, from Friday, August 11, 2024, 6:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am.
RUE ELISSACILIO (section between Boulevard du Général Leclerc and Rue des Lilas) and RUE DES CLEMATITES
The following are prohibited:
- parking, from Sunday, August 11, 2024, 7 a.m. to Monday, August 12, 2024, 7 a.m,
- to traffic, from Sunday August 11, 2024, 7:00 am to Monday August 12, 2024, 7:00 am.
RUE DES LILAS
From Saturday, August 10, 2024, 7:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 8:00 am, a ONE-WAY DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC will be established, in the direction Rue Elissacilio to Rue Ansoenia.
THE FENCED-IN PARKING LOT TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPTOIR MARITIME, RUE DES ORANGERS
Closed to the public from Thursday, August 8, 2024 to Monday, August 12, 2024 (pre-barrier).
PARKING DU VIEUX FORT
Will be closed to parking and traffic from Saturday, August 10, 2024, 12 noon to Sunday, August 11, 2024, 6 p.m.
BOULEVARD DU GÉNÉRAL LECLERC
The following are prohibited:
- In the section between Rue de Belcenia and Rond-Point du Palmier :
- parking, from Sunday August 11, 2024, 7:00 a.m. until the end of the float cavalcade,
- to traffic on Sunday August 11, 2024, at 3pm, until the end of the float cavalcade.
- In the section between Boulevard de la Mer and Rond-Point du Palmier,
for parking and traffic, from Sunday August 11, 2024, 10:00 am to Monday August 12, 2024, 7:00 am.
ROND-POINT DU PALMIER (located on Boulevard du Général Leclerc)
The following are prohibited:
- parking, from Sunday August 11, 2024, 7:00 a.m. until the end of the float cavalcade,
- to traffic, from Sunday August 11, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until the end of the float cavalcade.
RUE DES EUCALYPTUS (section between Boulevard de Mer and Avenue des Mimosas) and RUE DES FIGUIERS (section between Rue des Pins and Avenue des Mimosas)
Will be closed to parking and traffic from Sunday, August 11, 2024, 10:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 7:00 am.
RUE DES JASMINS, (section between Rond-Point du Palmier and Rue des Néfliers)
Will be closed to parking and traffic, except for local residents, from Sunday, August 11, 2024, 7:00 am to Monday, August 12, 2024, 7:00 am.
RUE DES CÈDRES AND RUE DE LARROUN
Will be closed to traffic on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 3pm until the end of the float cavalcade.