The energy of surfing meets art and inclusion at the Queen Festival in Biarritz Three days of sport and art to celebrate diversity
This weekend, the Côte des Basques in Biarritz pulsed to the rhythm of the Queen Festival, a 100% female event presented by Vans. The festival proved that surf culture was much more than just a sporting performance. For its fifth edition, the event attracted nearly 9,000 people over three days, all coming to celebrate a unique concept: an inclusive, social, and free surf festival, born from the vision of Margaux Arramon-Tucco, her sister Aimée, and their best friend Amaya. Far from clichés, the event broke the codes by offering a celebration of diversity in all its forms, supported by international female athletes.
Beyond the waves, the program was a true cultural immersion. Longboard and shortboard competitions took place for the first time, alongside an expression session in collaboration with the Queer Surf Club, all featuring world-renowned female surfers. On land, the Vans skate ramp hosted sessions for the most experienced as well as initiations for beginners. But what gave the festival its special soul was the balance between sport and other activities. From debates to podcasts, from Basque dance classes to concerts and art exhibitions, every moment was an opportunity for exchange and discovery. The festival created a unique atmosphere, blending performance, celebration, and engaged discussions, attracting international female talents such as surfers Juliette Lacome and Karina Rozunko, as well as skateboarder Tania Cruz.
Ultimately, the Queen Festival is not just a simple sporting event, it is a platform where creativity and inclusion meet. It is the perfect example of an event that leveraged the energy of surfing to convey modern and inspiring values, thus transforming a legendary surf spot into a true crossroads of cultures and communities. The experience is part of a movement that is redefining the identity of surfing so that it becomes accessible to all and continues to be a source of innovation and freedom.
