The Winter Festival

Next Winter Festival : date to be confirmed

In agreement with the Festival Committee and given the very short timeframe between the official authorization to resume bull-related events following the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) and the preparation of the event, the Winter Festival could not be maintained on the dates initially scheduled in February 2026.

Each year, Aigues-Mortes celebrates its Winter Festival, a must-see event for lovers of Camargue traditions and bull culture. Over the course of a weekend, residents and visitors gather in the heart of the medieval city’s streets to share a friendly moment centered around local traditions and flavors.

► Start of the day : the pastures and the gardians

The day begins in the pastures outside the ramparts, where the gardians sort the bulls on horseback. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a convivial breakfast in the fields with friends, families, and visitors before the festivities move into the town.

► Throughout the festivities :

• Abrivados : the bulls are brought to the plan, supervised by gardians on horseback
• Bull runs in the plan : arena set up at the foot of the South Rampart
• Bandidos : the bulls are taken back to the pastures, supervised by gardians on horseback
• Musical entertainment

The plan is a temporary arena made up of wooden stands called “theatres”. Please note : these stands belong to families from Aigues-Mortes. You may ask for permission to access them. One stand, however, is specially reserved for visitors.

The Comité des Fêtes des Ventres Bleus accepts no responsibility for any accidents occurring during the Winter Festival events.

Highlights from the Winter Festival