Visit the Dax bullring during your vacation in the Landes. At one time, arenas were an important part of the area. They served as a place of bullfighting entertainment for its inhabitants and neighbors. Today, the Dax arena has become a venue for many different kinds of events throughout the year.
The beginnings of the arena
In the eighteenth century, bullfighting was already exciting the world. But in Dax, they had no fixed location for this popular activity. Deemed a dangerous practice, Governor Guyenne conditioned it to be carried out in an enclosed, secure area. The first wooden arenas were built in 1857, and were already 40 meters long. But the 2000 seats they could hold were not enough, which led to the idea of enlarging it in 1890.
Aware of the popularity of bullfighting, the Dax town council decided to convert the wooden bullring into a permanent one. This led to the construction of the Dax arena on the banks of the Adour in 1913. Andalusian in style, they could only hold 5,500 people. In 1932, following an increase in the number of spectators for the annual bullfighting festivals, the mayor of Dax, with the help of carpenters and joiners, increased the number of seats in the stands to the current 8,000.
Arenas with specific structures
The Dax bullring has been listed as a historic monument in the Landes department since 2013. They are located in the heart of Théodore Denis Park and are built in concrete. Its architecture and imposing size are its greatest assets. The circular site measures 72 metres in diameter. It features a bull sculpture above its main entrance. The runway is 40 metres in diameter. The venue has two distinct grandstands. The covered one is reserved for official guests and VIPs. As for the bleachers, they’re made for the public. For event participants and organizers, there are several dressing rooms, an infirmary and a chapel. These serve as a place for participants to gather before the event.
For those with a keen interest in the building, it remains open from March onwards, every working day from 11am to 5pm. Visits to this site are free of charge.
