Fest-Deiz ha Noz — Annual Festival of the CCBO

The Fest-Deiz ha Noz: Orvault's Big Breton Celebration

Organized every year in January by the Breton Cultural Center of Orvault (CCBO), the Fest-Deiz ha Noz is one of the major events of Breton culture in the Nantes metropolitan area. It takes place at the Salle de l'Odyssée, in the heart of the Bois Cesbron park in Orvault, and brings together several hundred enthusiasts of traditional Breton music and dance.

A Full Day of Festivities

The day begins in the morning with a dance workshop to practice the dances featured in the afternoon competition, notably the avant-deux de travers (mode des Touches) and the rond de Sautron (mode piqué). In the afternoon, the fest-deiz opens with the music and dance competitions, qualifying rounds for the Championship of Brittany in Traditional Music and Dance. In the late afternoon, a free introduction to Breton dance allows newcomers to learn the basic steps. Finally, the fest-noz takes over in the evening and continues until 2 a.m., with a succession of traditional Breton music groups and duos.

The Philippe Grellier and Jean Renaud Trophies

Since 2016, the festival has hosted the Philippe Grellier Trophies (music competition) and the Jean Renaud Trophies (dance competition), named in honor of two founding figures of the CCBO. These competitions are official qualifying rounds for the final of the Championship of Brittany in Traditional Music and Dance, organized by the Kenleur confederation. Music groups and dance couples compete with prescribed dances from the repertoire of the Nantes region.

The CCBO: Guardian of Breton Culture in Orvault

The Breton Cultural Center of Orvault was founded in 1964 under the name "Cercle Celtique les Jonquilles d'Orvault," initiated by Didier Bouron and Jean Renaud. Renamed CCBO in 1988, it works year-round to promote Breton culture through dance, music, singing (kan ha diskan), and Breton language classes. The annual Fest-Deiz ha Noz is the highlight of its cultural season and a moment of conviviality bringing together Celtic circles, bagadoù, and Breton associations from all over Loire-Atlantique and historic Brittany.

An Event Rooted in Living Tradition

The fest-noz, literally "night party" in Breton, has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2012. The Fest-Deiz ha Noz of Orvault perpetuates this tradition by anchoring it in the Nantes region, with a program that mixes renowned artists of the Breton trad scene and emerging young talents, in a warm and participatory atmosphere.