Fest-Noz de Quelaines-Saint-Gault

Fest-Noz de Quelaines-Saint-Gault: Brittany in Mayenne

Every autumn, the village hall of Quelaines-Saint-Gault vibrates to the sound of bombardes and binious during the Fest-Noz organized by the association Agora. This event perpetuates the tradition of the fest-noz — literally "night festival" in Breton — a few dozen kilometers from the Breton border, testifying to the Celtic cultural influence that permeates western Mayenne.

The Agora Association: 30 Years of Traditional Music

Founded in December 1993, the association Agora aims to promote and develop traditional music. It includes two musical groups:

• Agora Sonerien: Breton music group that leads the fest-noz and association events.
• Eanair: Ensemble dedicated to Irish music, expanding the association's Celtic repertoire.

The association celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023 with a special edition of the fest-noz, marking three decades of commitment to traditional music in Mayenne.

An Evening of Breton Dances

The Quelaines-Saint-Gault fest-noz offers an evening of collective Breton dances accessible to all, from beginners to experienced dancers:

• An dro, hanter dro, gavotte, rond de Saint-Vincent, and other traditional Breton dances.
• Live music provided by several guest groups and by Agora Sonerien.
• Warm and friendly atmosphere, in a spirit of sharing and transmission.

The choice of the village hall is not insignificant: its wooden floor provides an ideal dance surface, essential for the comfort of dancers during a fest-noz evening.

The Fest-Noz: UNESCO Intangible Heritage

The fest-noz has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2012. This international recognition highlights the value of this living cultural practice, which combines music, singing, and dance in a collective and festive setting. By organizing a fest-noz in Mayenne, the Agora association helps to promote this tradition beyond the borders of Brittany.