Feria de Paques（Feria d'Arles）

Spring’s First Ovation Echoing in the Roman Ruins

2026/04/02 - 2026/04/05

Every Easter weekend, the city of Arles in southern France bursts with color, tradition, and the rhythms of Spanish music. Centered around the ancient Roman amphitheater, the Feria de Pâques is the largest spring festival in the Camargue region, drawing over 50,000 people over four days. Bullfights, parades, and a blend of Provençal and Spanish culture make this celebration a festival for all the senses—where locals, bullfighting fans, and travelers alike are swept up in history, music, and pure joy.

Held annually during the Easter period, the festival takes place in the Roman amphitheater and the historic districts of Arles. It’s an open event where families, friends, and anyone can experience the living traditions of southern France.

Main Attractions

Bullfights and Camargue-Style Bull Games

The soul of the festival is the bullfights, where world-renowned matadors in golden costumes perform in the Roman arena. Arles is also famous for the “Course Camarguaise,” a local non-lethal bull competition where daring young “raseteurs” try to snatch ribbons from the bull’s horns. The energy of the arena, the flash of the cape, and the tension among the spectators are unforgettable once experienced.

Key Events

The Abrivado (bull run) is a thrilling Camargue tradition where horsemen (gardians) guide bulls through the city streets, cheered on by crowds who sometimes run alongside. At night, the city is filled with music, flamenco, and laughter thanks to the Pégoulade parade, concerts, bodegas (pop-up bars), and street performances. Provençal craft markets and fireworks lighting up the night sky are also must-sees.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants typically wear white pants, red scarves, and straw hats. Matadors and raseteurs don embroidered, colorful costumes, while gardians ride horses in traditional Camargue hats, floral shirts, and boots. The city is decorated with red and yellow banners, bull motifs, and garlands, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere everywhere you look.

Traditional Food & Drink

From bodegas and food stalls, the aroma of grilled meats, garlic, and spices fills the air. Regional specialties like gardianne de taureau (bull stew), paella, tapenade, and fougasse are served. Toasts are made with rosé, sangria, and pastis, and sweet treats like navettes and churros are crowd favorites. Sharing food and drinks with strangers—and making new friends—is one of the festival’s greatest joys.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Feria de Pâques date back to 1830, when the first bullfight was held in the restored Roman arena to celebrate the victory of the Algiers expedition. The modern Feria format began in 1952, when local hero Pierre Pouly became director of the arena and established the Easter festival as a showcase for both Spanish-style bullfighting and Camargue traditions.

Today, the festival is a symbol of Provençal pride, Spanish influence, and the unique spirit of the Camargue. For locals, it marks the opening of bullfighting season and is a cherished time to celebrate the arrival of spring together.

Participant Voices

We came from Paris for the festival. The Abrivado was truly thrilling! The moment the first bull enters the arena, the audience falls silent and then erupts in cheers. Horses, bulls, and people all running together—at night, flamenco and paella kept the party going. I definitely want to come back.

Fun Facts

The Roman amphitheater in Arles was built in the 1st century and can hold about 16,000 people; during the Feria, it transforms into a bullring.
The Abrivado is a unique Camargue tradition where bulls and horsemen parade through the city, and local youths try to stop the bulls.
The Course Camarguaise is a non-lethal competition, and the bulls can become local heroes.
In autumn, Arles also hosts the “Rice Feria” to celebrate the Camargue rice harvest.

Festival Dates

The Feria de Pâques is held every Easter period in Arles.

The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Media

photo by Monica Mongelli

Information

Name	Feria de Paques（Feria d'Arles）
Country	France
Area	https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AB%E3%83%AB%E3%81%AE%E5%86%86%E5%BD%A2%E9%97%98%E6%8A%80%E5%A0%B4/@43.677758,4.6283438,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12b6761348389331:0x83002f0bcf26000d!8m2!3d43.6777541!4d4.6309241!16zL20vMGZwcmho!5m1!1e4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUyMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Date	2026/04/02 - 2026/04/05
Link	Official Site Wikipedia

Ten Days of Joy, Color, and Devotion to the Elephant-Headed God