Dax Fair 2025: to experience the party when you have a disability, “you have to be resourceful”

The fair is also attended by people with reduced mobility. Despite the difficulties encountered, they try to fully experience the event, helped by accessibility features.

Crowded streets, blaring music, and endless queues: the Dax Feria isn't always easy for people with reduced mobility (PRM). Yet, they are certainly present in the alleys of the city of Dax. In his black wheelchair, Pierre Paugam moves quickly, regardless of the sidewalks or the ground surface. "You have to be resourceful," he says from the outset. "I'm someone who's active in a wheelchair, I don't like being pushed." For him, accessibility for people with reduced mobility at the feria is generally well thought out: "There are ramps everywhere, it's very good."

The organizers have indeed tried to make everyday life easier: in addition to the ramps, the toilets are manned by a volunteer who controls access. Parking spaces for people with reduced mobility have also been created in the peripheral parking lots. Despite the lack of an elevator, the arenas are also accessible, even if it's not very practical, notes Pierre Paugam. "You have to get into a leather 'grandma and grandpa' seat, and then people carry you up. It's not exactly discreet." While the arena doesn't have an audio description system, Mireille, who is blind, was still able to experience the bullfighting spectacle. "There was one time when someone who knew a lot about it explained everything to me," she recalls, "it was great."

Eating, drinking, strolling, or even dancing: despite their disabilities, people with reduced mobility are not left out when it comes to enjoying the feria. "We fully experience the festivities as long as we have company," assures Mireille, her hand around the arm of her husband, who also serves as her guide. The couple regularly attends the Potinière ball.

In his electric wheelchair for thirteen years, Hubert, 80, has participated in practically every edition, including bullfights. For the Dax native, no matter the difficulties encountered, the event remains essential: "I will continue to do the feria until I can't anymore!"

"We try to avoid hot spots and hug the walls."

The transformation of the spa town into a giant open-air festival, however, creates certain complications. "I know Dax by heart, but during the feria, I no longer have any bearings," explains Mireille. For people with reduced mobility, on big nights, it's best to avoid the crowds. "We try to avoid the hot spots and hug the walls," explains the blind person.

People's view of people with disabilities is generally benevolent, she says. "Even if you're lost in the middle of the street, there's always someone to put you back on the right track," Mireille smiles. Some reactions sometimes lack tact, says Pierre Paugam. "What annoys me the most are drunk people who come to me and ask questions out of compassion," he grumbles.