Ferias and bullfights in France
Ferias and bullfights in France are cultural events rich in history and tradition, attracting thousands of visitors every year. These festivals, which take place mainly in the south of the country, combine elements of music, dance, cuisine and, of course, the famous bullfights. In this article, we'll explore in detail everything about férias and bullfights in France, from their origins to their current impact.
What are Férias and Corridas?
The férias are traditional festivals celebrating bullfighting culture and regional folklore. They usually last several days and include bullfights, dance performances, music, parades and various social activities. Bullfights are bullfighting spectacles in which bullfighters confront bulls in an arena.
History of Férias and Corridas in France
Férias and corridas have their roots in the ancient Mediterranean tradition of bullfighting. Imported to France by the Spanish over the centuries, these practices became particularly established in southern regions such as Provence, Languedoc and the Basque Country. The first bullfights in France date back to the 19th century, and have since evolved to include local elements and regional variations.
The different types of Férias
Traditional Férias
Traditional férias respect the ancient rites and customs of the region. They include parades in period costumes, folk dances and bullfights based on the classic rules of bullfighting.
Modern Férias
Modern férias incorporate contemporary elements such as contemporary music concerts, sporting events and youth activities. They are designed to attract a more diverse audience while retaining the festive spirit.
Regional variations
Each region brings its own particularities to the fore during férias. For example, the Course Camarguaise in Provence is a form of bullfighting in which the aim is to seize attributes placed between the bull's horns without injuring it.
List of the main férias in France
Easter fair in Arles: Scheduled from April 18 to 21, 2025, this feria marks the start of the bullfighting season in France, with bullfights and cultural events.
Whitsun Feria in Nîmes: Taking place from June 6 to 9, 2025, this feria is one of the biggest in France, with bullfights, concerts and entertainment all over town.
Bayonne Festival: Scheduled from July 9 to 13, 2025, this is one of France's biggest ferias, attracting hundreds of thousands of festayres.
Fêtes de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan: From July 16 to 20, 2025, this feria offers bullfighting, concerts and other entertainment.
Feria de Dax: Taking place from August 13 to 17, 2025, this feria is renowned for its festive atmosphere and bullfighting traditions.
Béziers Feria: Scheduled to take place from August 14 to 17, 2025, this feria will feature bullfights and a variety of festive events.
Rice Fair in Arles: Scheduled from September 12 to 14, 2025, this feria celebrates Camargue culture with bullfights and traditional entertainment.
Agenda 2025 for ferias and bullfights in France
March - April 2025
- March 14 Spring festivals in Vielle-Tursan
- March 21 Spring festivals in Saint-Loubouer
- April 3 - April 6 Feria de Saint-Martin-de-Crau
- April 5 Novillada Piquée at Saint-Perdon
- April 6 : 10ᵉ corrida de la Peña Gamardaise in Gamarde-les-Bains
- April 13 Spring Novillada in Garlin
- April 18 Bahus-Soubiran festivals
- April 25 St. Mark's Day festivities in Retjons
May - June 2025
- May 30 - June 1ᵉʳ Feria Rugby y Toros in Captieux
- June 6 Pentecost festivities in Sainte-Foy
- June 13 - 15 : Feria d'Istres
- June 15 : Corrida at Aire-sur-l'Adour
- June 21 : Corrida in La Brède
- June 22 Corrida at Saint-Sever
- June 28 : Corrida in Mimizan
July 2025
- July 5 Novillada in Castelnau-Rivière-Basse and bullfight in Eauze
- July 9 - 13 Fêtes de Bayonne
- July 11 : Corrida in Bayonne
- July 16 - 20 Fêtes de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan
- July 26 - 27 Novillada and bullfight in Garlin and Orthez
August 2025
- August 2 Corrida and novillada at Riscle
- August 3 Novillada in Hagetmau
- August 5 : Corrida in Villeneuve-de-Marsan
- August 7 - 10 Fêtes de Soustons
- August 8 - 12 Feria Sen Bertomiu in Parentis-en-Born
- August 13 - 17 Feria de Dax
- August 15 Novillada and bullfighting in Roquefort
- August 24 Novillada in Maubourguet and Rion-des-Landes
- August 29 - 31 Corridas and novilladas in Bayonne
September - November 2025
- September 7 Novillada in Seissan
- September 12 - 14 Toros y Salsa in Dax
- September 13 - 14 : Corrida in Dax
- September 21 Novillada in Vieux-Boucau (to be confirmed)
- October 13 Festival taurin à Saint-Sever
- November 9 Novillada in Rion-des-Landes
Emblematic towns and places
Nîmes
Nîmes is famous for its Whitsun and Harvest férias. Its Roman arenas provide a majestic backdrop for bullfights.
Arles
Arles hosts the Feria de Pâques and the Feria du Riz, with bullfighting events in its historic arena.
Bayonne
The Feria de Bayonne is one of the most biggest parties from Basque Countryattracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Dax
Dax, famous for its Saint-Vincent festivities, offers an authentic experience with its Landes races and bullfights.
Mont-de-Marsan
The Feria de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan is another not-to-be-missed festival with a strong bullfighting tradition.
Activities during Férias and Corridas
Parades
Colorful parades are a key feature of férias, with floats, bands and dancers in traditional costumes.
Corridas
Bullfights are the highlight of férias, where bullfighters demonstrate their courage and skill against the bulls.
Music and Dance
Concerts and flamenco dance performances liven up the evenings, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
Cuisine and Gastronomy
Férias are also an opportunity to sample local specialities such as paella, tapas and regional wines.
Games and Social Activities
Children's games, sports competitions and cultural workshops are often organized to keep the whole family entertained.
France's best-known Férias
Feria de Nîmes
The Feria de Nîmes is one of the oldest and most prestigious, with top-class bullfights and a festive atmosphere.
Visit Feria de Nîmes is a colorful celebration that punctuates the life of the town twice a year: at Whitsun and on the third weekend in September. It's a not-to-be-missed event that combines bullfighting traditions, music, dance and gastronomy.
Immerse yourself in Camargue culture
For several days, Nîmes vibrates to the rhythm of the férias. The streets are decked out in red and white, the traditional colors of the festival. The arenas, the beating heart of the feria, host numerous bullfights and other bull shows.
The must-sees at the Feria de Nimes
Bullfighting: The Nîmes bullring is a mythical venue for bullfighting aficionados. Bullfights are at the heart of the feria, offering a unique and exciting spectacle.
Abrivados: These bull runs through the streets of the town are one of the highlights of the feria. Young people run in front of the bulls, in a festive and sometimes crazy atmosphere.
Bandas: The lively music of the bandas gives rhythm to the streets of Nîmes. Their repertoire, essentially made up of traditional pieces, invites you to dance and be merry.
Bodegas: These typical establishments are the heart of the party. Here you can sample local specialities, dance and meet new people.
The pegoulade: This carnival parade is a moment of pure madness. Participants, dressed up in costumes and often on floats, parade through the streets of Nîmes, creating a festive, unbridled atmosphere.
A festive and friendly atmosphere
The Feria de Nîmes is above all a time for sharing and conviviality. The festive spirit reigns supreme, and locals and tourists alike happily mingle with the crowds.
Whitsun Feria
The festival takes place over the Whitsun weekend, attracting thousands of visitors for bullfighting shows and a variety of entertainment.
Ferias de Nimes dates
- Pentecost: This edition is generally longer and busier. The exact dates change every year, but it's always around Whitsun.
- Third weekend in September: This edition, known as the Feria des Vendanges, is shorter but just as festive.
Feria de Bayonne or Bayonne festivals
The Feria de Bayonne is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and numerous events, including bullfights and concerts.
Fêtes de BayonneIt's an event that sets the pace for the city, attracting thousands of people every year. For five days, Bayonne is transformed into a veritable festival capital, where tradition, music, dance and good humor come together.
A rich and festive history
Born in 1932, inspired by the festivals of Pamplona, the Fêtes de Bayonne quickly gained in popularity. Every year, in the heart of summer, the city vibrates to the rhythm of Basque music and festive songs.
Holiday must-haves
Traditional dress: White and red, the colors of the party! Participants proudly wear their traditional outfits, consisting of a white T-shirt, a red scarf and a Basque belt.
Music and dance: The bandas liven up the streets of Bayonne with their lively traditional tunes. As for the dancers, they go wild in the squares, taking the crowd along in their wake.
Bodegas : These typical establishments offer local specialities and a festive atmosphere. The bodegas are the heart of the Fiestas, where friends gather to share a convivial moment.
Encierros : Less well known than those in Pamplona, Bayonne's encierros are just as popular with thrill-seekers. Youngsters run ahead of the bulls in the city streets.
A unique atmosphere
The Fêtes de Bayonne is above all a unique atmosphere, where generations mingle and conviviality reigns. You'll meet locals and tourists from all over the world, all united by the pleasure of partying.
Bayonne festival dates
The Fêtes de Bayonne generally take place on the first weekend in August. However, in recent years, the dates have been brought forward slightly to better manage the crowds. The Fêtes de Bayonne 2024 took place on the following dates from wednesday july 10 to sunday july 14.
Want to find out more?
To find out all about the program, dates and how to get there, visit the official Fêtes de Bayonne website: https://fetes.bayonne.fr/
Feria de Dax
The Feria de Dax is famous for its Landes races, a unique form of bullfighting in which participants dodge the bulls.
The Dax Feria is a major event in south-western France, attracting thousands of people every year in search of festivity and tradition. For five days, the town of Dax is transformed into a huge open-air dancefloor, dominated by the colors of white and red.
A little history
The Fêtes de Dax, like those of Bayonne, are deeply rooted in local tradition. Their origins lie in patron saint festivals, and they have evolved over the centuries to become what they are today: a unique blend of bullfighting culture, music, dance and conviviality.
The must-sees at the Feria de Dax
Traditional dress: As in Bayonne, white and red are the order of the day. Partygoers proudly wear their white T-shirt, red scarf and Basque belt.
Bandas : The lively music of the bandas gives rhythm to the streets of Dax. Their repertoire, essentially made up of traditional tunes, gets the crowds up and dancing.
Arena: Bullfighting is an integral part of the Dax Feria. The arena hosts numerous bullfights that attract bullfighting enthusiasts.
Bodegas : These typical establishments are the heart of the party. Here you can sample local specialities, dance and meet new people.
A festive and friendly atmosphere
The Feria de Dax is above all a time for sharing and conviviality. The festive spirit reigns supreme, and locals and tourists alike happily mingle with the crowds.
Want to find out more?
For a detailed program of the next Feria, please visit the official website: https://www.daxlaferia.fr/
Feria de Dax dates
The Fêtes de Dax 2024 take place August 14 to 18. It was a highlight of the summer for all lovers of Landes traditions and festivities!
The Most Famous Corridas
Camargue Racing
The Course Camarguaise is a traditional show in the Camargue region, where raseteurs attempt to seize cocardes placed on bulls.
Course Landaise
Course Landaise is a form of bullfighting that originated in the Landes region of France, where spacers and jumpers demonstrate their agility and bravery.
Spanish Corrida
The classic Spanish bullfight, with its brave bullfighters and bulls, remains a central feature of French férias.
Culture and Traditions of Férias and Corridas
Férias and bullfights are deeply rooted in local culture. Traditional clothing, such as white shirts and red scarves, is commonly worn. Music and dance, particularly flamenco and bandas, play a crucial role in livening up the festivities.
Férias and Corridas: Controversies and Opinions
Férias and bullfights arouse passionate debate. Defenders see them as an essential cultural tradition, while opponents denounce their cruelty to animals. These differences of opinion influence the laws and regulations surrounding these practices.
Economic impact of Férias and Corridas
Férias and bullfights generate significant economic spin-offs. They attract tourists, stimulate the local economy and create temporary jobs. Local businesses also benefit from the influx of visitors.
Gastronomy at Férias and Corridas
Gastronomy is an essential aspect of férias. Visitors can enjoy typical dishes such as paella, tapas, Iberian ham, and taste local wines. Markets and food stalls offer a variety of regional delights.
Rules and Safety
It's crucial to observe safety rules and regulations during férias and bullfights. Organizers put in place measures to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, such as protective barriers and medical services.
Family Férias
The férias offer a wide range of family-friendly activities, including children's games, shows and workshops. Specially designed areas allow families to enjoy the festivities in complete safety.
How to get to Ferias and Corridas in France
Getting to the férias and bullfights is easy thanks to a variety of transport options. Visitors can use trains, buses, rental cars, and sometimes even local flights. It's a good idea to plan ahead to avoid unforeseen events.
Festivals associated with ferias and bullfights
Many festivals are associated with férias, offering enriching cultural experiences. For example, the Feria des Vendanges in Nîmes coincides with wine-growing celebrations, while the Feria de Pâques in Arles includes religious events.
Ferias and bullfights in France - FAQ
Are ferias and bullfights legal in France?
Yes, they are legal but regulated. Some regions have specific restrictions.
When is the best time to attend a feria?
Férias take place all year round, but the most popular are held between spring and summer.
Can children attend ferias and bullfights in France?
Yes, many férias offer child-friendly activities.
What to wear to the férias
It's common to wear white clothes with a red scarf, but comfortable clothes are also recommended.
Are férias safe?
The organizers are putting safety measures in place, but it's important to follow instructions and remain vigilant.
Can I take part in bullfighting events?
Only professionals can take part in the bullfights, but spectators can enjoy the many other events.
Ferias and bullfights in France - Conclusion
Ferias and bullfights in France are cultural events that combine tradition, celebration and spectacle. They offer total immersion in regional folklore and attract visitors from all over the world. Despite controversy, they remain a vital part of the cultural identity of southern France. If you plan your visit well, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience at the heart of French férias and bullfights.
