Folkiri Festival

Folkiri Festival: The Traditional Dance Celebration in Le Mans

Since 2012, the Folkiri association has been working to promote and develop traditional dance and music in Sarthe. Every year in October, it organizes the Folkiri Festival, an event that has become a must for lovers of folk balls, fest-noz, and European heritage dances.

Two Evenings of Folk Ball at the Saulnières Hall

The festival unfolds over two evenings in the Saulnières hall, a spacious and warm venue located on Avenue Rhin et Danube in Le Mans. On Friday and Saturday evenings, top musical groups — duos, trios, and bands specializing in the traditional repertoire — get an enthusiastic audience dancing. From the Auvergne bourrée to the Breton Saint-Vincent round dance, from the Scottish to the mazurka, each dance is an invitation to share and conviviality.

Workshops for All Levels

On Saturday afternoon, the festival offers traditional dance workshops and diatonic accordion workshops, led by renowned instructors. These courses allow beginners to learn the fundamental steps and experienced dancers to perfect their technique. A rare opportunity to progress in a supportive environment before putting it into practice at the evening ball.

An Event Driven by a Passion for Folk

The Folkiri Festival is co-organized with Superforma, a cultural structure in Le Mans that brings together six performance venues. This collaboration ensures professional organization and a high-quality program, blending established artists from the French folk scene with musical discoveries. The festival attracts enthusiasts from across the region and beyond each year, creating a moment of popular and authentic celebration where music and dance forge links between generations.