Burning Mane en Provence

Burning Mane en Provence: The Burning Man Spirit in the Heart of Haute-Provence

Since its creation in 2023, Burning Mane en Provence has established itself as a singular and unclassifiable festival, born from the desire of Mane residents to create a participatory and offbeat cultural event in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Freely inspired by the philosophy of the famous Burning Man, this Provençal festival adopts its founding values — active participation, collective creativity, free artistic expression — while deeply rooting them in the terroir and culture of Haute-Provence.

A Collective of Passionate Residents

The festival is driven by the association Dérapage Contrôlé, founded in January 2023 by a group of Mane residents united by a common project. This collective brings together diverse and complementary profiles: a choreographer, an actress and director, a project manager, a retired caregiver, a practitioner of traditional Chinese energy medicine, as well as numerous volunteers and members. All share the same passion for the performing arts and the conviction that culture should be accessible to all, outside traditional channels.

The association's mission is to organize events aimed at promoting and publicizing performing arts, theatrical and artistic practice, creation, dissemination, and production of live performances.

A Program Focused on Humor, Poetry, and Decadence

The editorial line of Burning Mane en Provence is distinguished by its boldness and originality. Each edition brings together about ten artists from local, national, and European scenes, selected for their ability to surprise, move, and amuse. Disciplines intersect and blend: street theater, participatory performances, ephemeral artistic installations, live music, dance, visual arts, and in situ creations.

The festival invites each spectator to become an actor in the event. In the tradition of Burning Man, the line between artists and the public blurs: everyone is encouraged to create, express themselves, and contribute to the collective work. Participatory workshops, free creation spaces, and interactive performances punctuate the program.

Mane, a Provençal Gem for an Unlike-Any-Other Festival

The village of Mane, perched in the hills of Haute-Provence a few kilometers from Forcalquier, offers an exceptional setting for this atypical festival. Amidst lavender, olive trees, and golden stones, artistic installations and performances blend into a strikingly beautiful Mediterranean landscape. The contrast between the libertarian spirit of Burning Man and the Provençal charm creates a unique atmosphere, both festive and contemplative.

The festival takes over the public spaces of the village and its surroundings, transforming squares, paths, and clearings into places of creation and performance. Ephemeral sculptures, light installations, and participatory works dot the festival-goer's path, creating a dreamlike and poetic open-air universe.

A Committed and Accessible Festival

True to its values of sharing and openness, Burning Mane en Provence aims to be an accessible and inclusive event. The festival cultivates a community spirit where conviviality, mutual aid, and respect for the environment are at the heart of the experience. Eco-responsible initiatives are implemented to reduce the event's ecological footprint, respecting the exceptional natural setting of Haute-Provence.