September is still summer in the Basque Country. The sun is still shining, and the festivities are still going strong: the Fêtes de la Bixintxo in Urrugne, the Fête du Piment in Espelette and the Fête du gâteau basque in Cambo-les-Bains… Here are 8 not-to-be-missed events in September and October.
Holidays in September
The festivities of Urrugne
In September, the Bixintxo festivities in Urrugne are greeted with great enthusiasm and energy. On the program: 5 days of entertainment, shows and encounters: bullfighting, concerts, toro de fuego, fireworks, country meals, Basque pelota, Basque dances…
- Date: 1ᵉʳ weekend in September, in Urrugne (40 km from the campsite)
Les Fêtes de Sare
On the second weekend of September, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Sare festivals, where for 5 days, music, dance and gastronomy take over the streets of this charming Basque village. Don’t miss Sunday, with a Basque-language mass, free entertainment, traditional dances, pelota, Basque strength games and more.
- Date: from Saturday 9 to Wednesday 13 September 2023, in Sare (40 km from the campsite)
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Mendionde Festival
Every year in mid-September, Mendionde celebrates Basque traditions and culture with a wide range of events: skittle competitions, Basque pelota (pasaka) demonstrations, street bands and brass bands, children’s games, mechoui and eel dinners in village restaurants.
- Date: September 15-17, 2023, Mendionde (40 km from the campsite)
Holidays in October
The Fêtes d’Isturits
On the first weekend in October, the commune of Isturits enjoys two days of festivities and a rich variety of events: musical strolls with bandas and brass bands, Basque pelota at the trinquet, guinguette meals and dancing late into the night.
- Date: September 29 to October 1, 2023, in Isturits (35 km from the campsite)
The Basque Cake Festival in Cambo-les-Bains
Taste the famous Basque cake in all its variations at this gourmet festival in Cambo-les-Bains. On the program: competition for the best Basque cake, farmers’ market, Basque choir concerts, country-style meal, musical passe-rue, etc. If you haven’t already tried this cake filled with crème pâtissière or cherry jam, believe us, you’re going to love it.
- Date: September 30 and October 1, 2023, at Cambo-les-Bains (30 km from the campsite),
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Pastore Lore in Ascain
In Ascain, come and enjoy a colorful traditional festival in early autumn: the descent of the pottoks, small horses typical of the Basque Country. A transhumance on the slopes of the Rhune. Events focusing on Basque traditions are on offer throughout the weekend: farmers’ market, Joaldunak (wild men) parade, drum parade (tamborradas), shepherd stilt-walker show, Basque pelota game…
- Date: October 7 and 8, 2023, in Ascain (40 km from the campsite)
Espelette chilli festival
Autumn is here. For a more colorful experience, dive into the spicy world of the Fête du piment in Espelette. On the programme: gastronomic fair, sale of piments and regional products, bandas festival, parade of brotherhoods, pelota challenges at the fronton, Basque dancing, male choir concert…
- Date: Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, 2023, in Espelette (35 km from the campsite)
Ahetze Festival
Finish your autumn tour with the Fêtes d’Ahetze, between the villages of Guéthary and Bidart. The St. Martin’s Day festivities on November 11 bring the Basque Country‘s festivities to a close. Numerous activities are planned: mus (Basque card game) competition, pelota game, pintxo pote, mutxikos and Basque dances, Sunday mass…
- Date: November 10-12, 2023, in Ahetze (30 km from the campsite)
photo©Pierre-Alex/ADT 64