Festival des Pastourelles et de la Bourrée

1st edition: Espalion vibrates to the rhythm of traditions

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Espalion hosted the very first edition of the Festival des Pastourelles et de la Bourrée, organized in partnership with the Ligue Auvergnate et du Massif Central. From 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM, the town vibrated to the rhythm of the traditions of the Massif Central.

The program began with a mass in the parish church, followed by a conference on Parisians from Auvergne and the history of the Pastourelles at the town hall at 2:30 PM. Starting at 4:30 PM, a parade and performances by the 14 folk groups animated the town center. The 5 pastourelles representing the territories elected in 2025 participated in the procession in traditional costumes.

At the foirail, starting at 6:30 PM, a bourrée competition was followed by an aperitif and an aligot meal (by reservation), before a traditional ball open to all musicians. The festival also featured an attempt at a world record for « Brise Pieds », an emblematic traditional dance step.

Program for August 16, 2025

• 10:30 AM: Mass in the parish church
• 2:30 PM: Conference "Parisians from Auvergne and the Pastourelles" — Espalion Town Hall
• 4:30 PM: Parade and performances by 14 folk groups in the town center
• Attempt at a world record for « Brise Pieds »
• 6:30 PM: Bourrée competition at the Foirail
• Aperitif and aligot meal (by reservation)
• Traditional ball open to all musicians

• Historic first edition of the festival
• 14 folk groups from the Massif Central and Paris
• 5 pastourelles from the elected territories
• Attempt at a world record for « Brise Pieds »
• Bourrée competition and traditional ball
• Aligot meal at the foirail