Festival de la Saint-Loup

The biggest gathering of Breton dancers

The Festival de la Saint-Loup is the largest event dedicated to Breton dance in France. Every year, during the second half of August, the town of Guingamp hosts the national Breton dance championship organized by the Kendalc'h confederation, bringing together dozens of Celtic circles and bagadoù from all over Brittany.

A history rooted in tradition

The Saint-Loup festival is an ancient tradition in Guingamp. In 1953, the Saint-Loup moved to the town center, but it was in 1957 that the festival took its current form: the Kendalc'h committee and the festival committee had the idea of creating a major two-day Breton dance festival — a parade on Saturday evening and a dance competition on Sunday. The first edition of this "new formula" attracted nearly 30,000 people, who came to discover the performances of about thirty circles and bagadoù.

Four days of Breton celebration

Today, the festival spans four days. Every evening, a large fest-noz is held under a marquee with a dance floor in the Place du Vally. The program includes parades in traditional costume through the streets of Guingamp, the national Breton dance championship with Celtic circles competing, introductions to Breton dances and games, concerts of Celtic music, and activities for all ages.

An identity festival

The Festival de la Saint-Loup is more than just a festive event: it is an act of transmission of Breton culture. Breton dance, inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage of France, is celebrated here in all its diversity — gavotte, an dro, hanter dro, plinn, fisel — by dancers of all ages, from children to elders, in an atmosphere of pride and sharing.