Fête du Piment d'Espelette 2026: Basque Pepper Festival in Espelette

Welcome to the Fête du Piment d'Espelette 2026 in Espelette

On October 24 and 25, 2026, the small Basque village of Espelette once again celebrates its most famous product, the Espelette pepper. Listed as part of France's intangible cultural heritage, the festival draws more than twenty thousand visitors every year into the red streets of the village, where strings of chili peppers hang drying on the facades.

Highlights and Attractions at the Espelette Pepper Festival

• A large producers market offering Espelette pepper fresh, dried and in every other form
• A bandas festival with several brass bands parading through the streets
• A solemn mass with the local choir and the blessing of the peppers at the Saint Étienne church
• The colorful parade of the Confrérie du Piment in traditional Basque costume
• The induction ceremony for new members and the presentation of the yearly Prix Piment
• A wide market of regional Basque specialities and local crafts
• Shared meals and a festive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants of the village

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Espelette

Saturday is centered on the bandas festival and the sale of peppers and regional products throughout the village streets. On Sunday, the solemn mass with the blessing of the peppers takes place around ten in the morning, followed by the parade of the brotherhoods through the village. Around midday, the induction ceremony and the presentation of the Prix Piment take place at the Théâtre de Verdure, before guests gather for shared meals in the restaurants and under the market halls.

Admission and Participation at the Fête du Piment 2026

Access to the festival is entirely free of charge. The market, the mass, the parade and the bandas festival can all be attended without a ticket. Shared meals under the market halls or in local restaurants are paid on site, and booking ahead is recommended since the village fills up quickly on this weekend.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Espelette

• Espelette lies about twenty two kilometers from Bayonne and is usually reached by car or organized shuttle
• Since the village is small and parking is limited, arriving early on Saturday morning or Sunday morning is advisable
• Late October can already bring cool and rainy weather to the Basque Country, so warm and weatherproof clothing is recommended
• Accommodation in Espelette itself is limited, so rooms in Cambo les Bains or Bayonne should be booked well ahead
• Anyone wanting to experience the mass and the blessing of the peppers up close should arrive early at the Saint Étienne church