Your first feria: the survival guide
Route notebook · First feria
Your first feria: the survival guide
Starting point. You have never been, and you are wondering what to expect.
Everyone has a first feria. The noise, the crowds, white and red everywhere, and codes nobody explains to you but everyone already knows. So you don't turn up empty-handed and wide-eyed, here is what you need to know before diving in.
01 · Before you go
What to organise before day one
Accommodation comes first. The ferias of south-west France attract hundreds of thousands, sometimes more than a million people over a few days, in towns that sometimes have fewer than 60,000 inhabitants. Book several months ahead, or plan to camp: some towns set up dedicated visitor areas.
Next, the outfit. No need to spend a lot: a complete white outfit with a red scarf and sash usually costs between 20 and 30 euros if you are starting from scratch. What matters is sturdy fabric, not the price tag.
02 · The codes to know
What nobody explains to you but everyone knows
★the
scarf
White and red, no exceptions
There is no legal obligation anywhere, but the social pressure is total. Forget fancy costumes: keep it simple, white and red, to blend into the crowd rather than stand out as a tourist.
The scarf is not tied just any time
In Bayonne in particular, the scarf is worn around the neck, untied, until the official opening signal (on Wednesday evening, when the Roi Léon throws the keys of the town from the town hall balcony). Arriving with your scarf already tied before the signal is a sure sign you are new here.
The peñas, the heart of the atmosphere
These are local associations that open their doors to everyone during the festivities. Much of the entertainment and many of the concerts come from them. Don't hesitate to step inside a peña: that is often where the atmosphere is most authentic.
03 · Practical tips
How to last five days without collapsing
Stay as hydrated as you party: heat, walking and drinks add up over several days and tire you out faster than you think. Eat at roughly regular times, even in the middle of the festivities. And plan some breaks: ferias are lived over several days, not in a single sprint.
For safety, stay in busy areas, keep an eye on your friends, and avoid driving into the town centre: take the train, the bus or the special shuttles laid on during the event.
04 · And afterwards
The scarf, the real souvenir
Traditionally, you don't change your scarf during the five days. Stains, creases, sweat: all of it tells the story of the party. Many festayres then keep their scarf from one year to the next, until it becomes a piece of personal history in its own right.
Frequently asked questions
Do you really have to wear white and red to your first feria?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is very strongly recommended if you want to blend into the atmosphere rather than stand out as a novice.
How much does a feria outfit cost for a first-timer?
Allow generally between 20 and 30 euros for a complete outfit (white t-shirt, scarf, red sash) if you are starting from scratch.
What is a peña?
A local association that opens its doors during the festivities, often behind much of the entertainment and many of the concerts.
How do you get around during a feria without a car?
Most towns lay on special shuttles and add extra trains and buses for the duration of the event. Driving into the town centre is strongly discouraged.
Your first feria will be the first of many. Welcome.
See the Sud-Ouest collection →
Sources · Oniva, Fêtes de Bayonne 2026 guide ·
JoyeuxVoyage, practical guide
Information checked in June 2026.
