Madeleine Festival

The Madeleine festivities

The Mont-de-Marsan audio-guided tour lets you discover the Madeleine festivities, a great summer feria that, each summer, transforms the city into a capital of celebration and Landes culture.

A centuries-old tradition

The origins of the festivities are said to go back to the end of the sixteenth century, under the reign of Henry IV, around 1594. Placed under the patronage of Saint Mary Magdalene, they take place in July and last five days and five nights. The programme mixes religious traditions and popular festivities: procession of the statue of Mary Magdalene, cavalcade, parades of bandas, course landaise competitions, bullfighting events and nocturnal balls. The festayres, dressed in blue and white, give the city a joyful and colourful face, making this feria one of the highlights of the summer in the Landes.

What there is to see

For five days, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the bandas, the parades and the entertainments. Blue and white invade the streets, in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Between religious procession, course landaise and nocturnal festivities, the Madeleine festivities offer a condensed version of the Mont-de-Marsan identity. It is an essential rendezvous for those who want to experience the Landes summer.

Practical information

The Madeleine festivities take place in Mont-de-Marsan in the month of July, over five days and five nights. The festivities take over the whole of the town centre; the detailed programme and exact dates vary according to the years and are to be checked on site.

When do the Madeleine festivities take place?

In the month of July, over five days and five nights; their origins are said to go back to 1594, under Henry IV.

What colours do the festayres wear?

Blue and white, the emblematic colours of the feria, found in the streets and on the participants.