Festival du Rouergue — Cultures du Monde

A festival born in 1954 in the heart of Rouergue

The history of the Festival du Rouergue began in 1954, when Mr. Amans, mayor of Pont-de-Salars, and Messrs. Chapot and Benoit, co-presidents of La Pastourelle de Rodez, decided to invite a foreign folk group to celebrate the inauguration of the Pont-de-Salars dam. This first encounter between local traditions and world cultures laid the foundation for a festival that has endured for over seventy years.

Over 370 groups and 55 nationalities

Since its creation, the Festival du Rouergue has hosted over 370 groups representing approximately 55 nationalities, totaling more than 15,000 artists — singers, musicians, and dancers, both amateur and professional. Each year, six to eight international folk groups are invited to perform alongside Rouergat groups, notably the renowned Pastourelle de Rodez, a founding member of the festival.

A week of performances in Rodez and Aveyron

The festival takes place annually during the first week of August, with a rich program: an opening parade at the kiosk in the public garden of Rodez, folk performances in various halls and heritage sites in Rodez (Abbaye du Monastère, Salle des fêtes, Chapelle royale), activities in cafes and restaurants, and performances in neighboring Aveyron communes such as Villecomtal and Sainte-Radegonde.

Affiliated with CIOFF, a guarantee of authenticity

The Festival du Rouergue is a member of CIOFF (International Council of Folk Festivals and Traditional Arts), an organization partnered with UNESCO. This affiliation guarantees the authenticity and quality of the invited groups, who present traditional dances, music, and costumes representative of their original culture.

A bridge between cultures

Beyond the performances, the Festival du Rouergue fosters genuine human exchanges between international artists and the people of Rouergue. Street activities, shared meals, and informal encounters build lasting bonds between peoples, in the spirit of peace and fraternity dear to the founders.