Confolens Festival — World Dances and Music

The cradle of international folklore in France

The Confolens Festival, officially titled Confolens Festival — World Dances and Music, is one of the oldest international folklore festivals in France and one of the most important in the world. Founded in 1957 on the initiative of Roger Morisseau, a lover of popular music, after a visit to the Fête des Filets Bleus in Brittany, the festival held its first edition on August 9 and 10, 1958 in Confolens, a small town in Charente bathed by the Vienne river. In nearly seven decades, it has become a must-attend event on the world folklore scene, having hosted over 712 ensembles from 135 countries.

Cradle of CIOFF, an organization affiliated with UNESCO

The Confolens Festival holds a unique place in the history of world folklore. It was indeed during the 15th edition of the festival, in 1970, that Henri Coursaget invited festival organizers from several countries to discuss the creation of an international organization federating folklore festivals. The statutes of CIOFF (International Council of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals) were filed on August 10, 1970, in Confolens. Today, CIOFF is an NGO in formal consultative status with UNESCO, with over 300 member festivals worldwide. The Confolens Festival remains one of its most emblematic founding members.

A week of shows and cultural encounters

Each year, during the second week of August, Confolens transforms into a crossroads of cultures. The program, spread over seven days, offers a variety of events:

• Shows at the Théâtre des Ribières: This open-air theater with a capacity of 2,000 seats, located on the banks of the Vienne river, hosts major folklore shows each evening featuring the invited international troupes.
• Street entertainment: The streets of Confolens come alive throughout the day with parades in traditional costumes, street concerts, and spontaneous performances by the invited groups.
• International Village: A space dedicated to world gastronomy and crafts, where visitors can discover the flavors and know-how of the represented countries.
• Discovery workshops: Traditional dance and instrument workshops are offered to the public, allowing active participation and immersion in world cultures.
• Balilo Festival: A program specifically designed for children under 12 years old, with adapted shows and workshops.
• Festival OFF: Parallel events, concerts, and artistic performances complete the official program.

International reach from Confolens

The Confolens Festival has preserved the spirit of its founder while developing over the decades. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by internationalization, with the arrival of troupes from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Today, each edition brings together around 400 to 450 artists from about ten countries, representing all continents. The festival is presided over by Christine Coursaget, who continues the family commitment to intercultural dialogue and the preservation of world popular arts and traditions.

Confolens, city of folklore in Charente Limousine

Confolens is a charming medieval town in Charente Limousine, located at the confluence of the Vienne and Goire rivers. Its architectural heritage, picturesque streets, and ancient bridges offer an exceptional setting for the festival. The Théâtre des Ribières, the main performance venue, is an open-air amphitheater nestled in a green setting by the river, creating a magical atmosphere for evening performances. The town also offers numerous accommodation options—campsites, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and homestays—and is about an hour from Limoges, Angoulême, and Poitiers.