Banda Lous Berretes

Birth of a Pyrenean banda

In 1981, five young musicians decided to liven up the streets of Aureilhan during Carnival. Trained in the municipal orchestra by Jack Le Bourgeois, they were invited by Pierre Gayat, head of the ASCA (Association Sportive et Culturelle d'Aureilhan), to accompany the majorettes on a trip to Alfaro in Spain. Upon their return, they officially founded the Banda Lous Berretes, named after the famous beret factory in Aureilhan.

A rich and varied repertoire

Under the musical direction of Christian Carlon, who selects and writes the arrangements, the Banda draws its inspiration from Basque and Navarrese musical traditions, particularly from the Txaranga Los Incansables. The repertoire includes over 100 pieces: pasodobles, pasacalles, marches, dianes, jotas, fandangos, Latin and Mexican music, and about twenty national anthems.

International reach

Over the decades, the Banda Lous Berretes has gained renown beyond the Pyrenean borders. It has been invited to the Dubai Rugby Seven's, has undertaken two tours in the Pacific in New Caledonia, and participated in the Rugby World Cup France 2023. It regularly entertains Top 14 and Elite 2 basketball matches.

A spirit of celebration and conviviality

With its motto "Friendship, Good humor, Music at all hours", the Banda Lous Berretes embodies the festive spirit of the Pyrenees. Co-chaired by Séverine Vignasse and Michel Marmouget, it currently has nearly 60 musicians and participates in numerous local, national, and international festivals throughout the year.