Fetes de Bayonne

Fetes de Bayonne began in 1932 when former rugby players returning from Pamplona's San Fermin festival proposed a similar celebration for Bayonne, growing into the largest festival in France by attendance. Its now-signature all-white-with-red-scarf dress code developed gradually from earlier blue maritime attire during the 1970s and 1980s. Held over five days each summer, expect street bands, Basque traditions and around-the-clock outdoor celebration across the old town.

Fetes de Bayonne began in 1932 when former players of the Aviron Bayonnais rugby club, returning home from Pamplona's San Fermin festival in neighboring Spain, proposed organizing a similar large-scale street celebration in Bayonne; mayor Joseph Garat backed the idea, and a dedicated organizing committee under Benjamin Gomez staged the first edition that July, launching what has grown into the largest festival in France by attendance.