Cahors Mundi - Festival for Peace

Cahors Mundi: A Festival for Peace Rooted in History

The Cahors Mundi - Festival for Peace festival draws its roots from a utopia born in the aftermath of World War II. In 1949, as Europe was trying to rebuild, Cahors became a vanguard territory by joining the World Route Without Borders n°1, inspired by former American pilot Garry Davis, who had renounced his nationality to proclaim himself a Citizen of the World. Under the impetus of resistance fighter Robert Sarrazac, Cahors was proclaimed the first world commune without borders.

The Renaissance of an Ideal

In 2001, a group of citizens, historians, and elected officials from Cahors revived this project by creating the Cahors Mundi association, chaired by Vincent Bedou. The association defends and promotes humanist and universal values through cultural, educational, and intergenerational actions rooted in the legacy of the Citizens of the World.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of this historic movement, the association, in partnership with the City of Cahors and the Fabrique des Écritures (MMSH Marseille), organized the first edition of the festival in June 2025.

A Rich and Multidisciplinary Program

For three days, the festival brings together researchers, artists, citizens, and activists to explore major contemporary issues:

• Conferences and debates: talks by historians like Michel Auvray, political scientists like Jean-François Bayart, and journalists like Nicolas Truong (Le Monde)
• Shows and performances: artistic creations blending music, theater, and visual arts, notably featuring the Gramophone Company and Ukrainian artist Yuliia Nikitiuk
• Screenings and debates: documentary films on the themes of peace and resistance, including “Résister pour la Paix”
• Exhibitions: contemporary art and photography, including Louis Nespoulous’ exhibition “Poissons d’ici”
• Citizen forums and participatory workshops: climate workshops, debates on refugees, mock UN trial “Reinventing Peace”

Iconic Venues

The festival takes place in several remarkable sites in Cahors and its surroundings: Place Bessières, the Hôtel de Ville and its Henri Martin hall, the cinema Le Grand Palais, Square Jouvenel, as well as the Maison André Breton and the Maisons Daura in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a major site of surrealism and world citizenship.

A Committed and Accessible Festival

True to the spirit of world citizenship that drives it, Cahors Mundi is a free festival open to all. It caters to families as well as enthusiasts of history, geopolitics, and world cultures. The musical evenings, with DJ sets and concerts, extend the days of reflection in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

The festival is part of a process of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of peace, making Cahors a true capital of Peace for a weekend.