Tensions Rise Over Bayonne and Mont-de-Marsan Festival Dates
In a dramatic turn of events, fairground workers in Bayonne have expressed their outrage over the newly scheduled dates for the Bayonne Festival, which now overlap with the Mont-de-Marsan festivities. The change, announced recently, has led to protests and significant disruptions in the region. Fairground workers argue that the decision, made without consultation, threatens their livelihoods and the traditional scheduling of regional festivals.
The Bayonne Festival will take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, a shift from its usual end-of-July timeline. This decision has drawn ire from the French Fairground Federation, which has labeled it a
and has organized protests across the town. Trucks filled with fairground workers have been seen blocking roads, including major routes like the A63 and A64, causing traffic disruptions and raising concerns about the economic impact on local businesses.
Mayor Defends Decision Amidst Backlash
Mayor Jean-René Etchegaray has defended the new festival dates, citing safety concerns following previous incidents that marred past events. He stated that the change aims to
and to manage crowd sizes effectively. Last year, the Bayonne Festival attracted a record attendance of 1.3 million, prompting fears of overcrowding and potential safety risks.
Despite the mayor's efforts to communicate his rationale, fairground workers feel their economic stakes have been disregarded. They argue that the overlapping dates with the Mont-de-Marsan celebrations will force them to choose between events, jeopardizing their income during the peak summer season. The Federation has called for a reversal of the decision and announced further mobilizations to advocate for their cause, including a planned protest on October 19 during a rugby match at the Jean-Dauger stadium.
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between local governments and fairground workers as they navigate the complexities of scheduling major events that are vital to the region's cultural and economic landscape.
