Votive festival
The votive festival is a moment of conviviality and reunion, perfect for celebrating with friends and sharing a drink (in moderation !) while immersing yourself in the local festive atmosphere.
The program of the votive festival
A festive day in Aigues-Mortes is marked by the abrivados, bandidos, and bull races.
Traditionally, the celebrations begin early in the morning in the meadows, where the bulls are sorted by the gardians. It's a great time to enjoy a "breakfast in the meadows". Once the bulls are sorted, they are brought into the town, surrounded by the gardians on horseback during the abrivado.
In the afternoon, the bull race takes place in the arena, which is movable in Aigues-Mortes. Each local resident has a wooden platform, called a "théâtre", and the arrangement of these platforms forms the arena, called "le plan". At the end of the race, the gardians return the bulls to the meadows by crossing the town, which constitutes the bandido.
A tip : Follow the advice of the locals and stay behind the barriers when the bulls cross the city for your safety!
The next votive festival will take place in October 2025.
You can view and download the event's program here.
Practical Information
WHERE TO PARK DURING THE VOTIVE FESTIVAL ?
During the votive festival, all parking lots are free, except for P1 and P2, which host the fairgrounds. Parking lot P9 will be closed during the event.
WHERE TO WATCH THE BULL RACES ?
The bull races take place on the "plan" at the south rampart. The "plan" consists of private stands owned by the locals of Aigues-Mortes. For visitors, the town hall provides a metal stand. Tip : Arrive early as the festival is very popular !
IS THE VOTIVE FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY ?
The town is accessible to people with reduced mobility, though many streets are cobblestoned. To watch a race on the "plan," the municipal stand has a ramp and reserved space. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot as the stand fills up quickly.
ARE PETS ALLOWED ?
Pets are allowed during the votive festival. However, the town hosts many visitors during the event, which can be overwhelming for pets and may make them harder to spot for other visitors.
WHAT IS PROHIBITED DURING THE FESTIVAL ?
Glass items, cans, alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, weapons, explosives, inflammable or volatile substances, dangerous objects, and any pyrotechnic items, political, ideological, religious, or advertising banners or signs are prohibited.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A PROBLEM ?
If you have a problem, approach the nearest security officer or a municipal police officer.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE SOMETHING OR IF IT’S STOLEN ?
If you lose an item, go to the municipal police or contact the lost and found at +33 4 66 53 69 73.
ARE THE ACTIVITIES HELD REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER ?
Yes, activities are held regardless of the weather. Only a weather warning from Meteo France or very heavy rain that poses safety risks may lead to the cancellation of festivities.
Office de tourisme
Aigues-Mortes
Place Saint Louis - BP 23
30220 AIGUES-MORTES
