Festival Mondes Croisés - World Dances and Music

A festival of cultural encounters since 1986

Created in 1986 by the association Mondes Croisés, the festival was born from the desire to showcase musical and choreographic traditions from around the world in an exceptional setting: the medieval town of Murat, nestled at the foot of the majestic Rocher de Bonnevie, in the heart of the Monts du Cantal. Since its first edition, the event has grown to become one of the most important cultural events in the region.

An exceptional international program

Each year, the festival hosts about a dozen professional troupes from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania. Over the years, audiences have discovered traditions as varied as Balinese dances, West African percussion, flamenco, Georgian polyphonic singing, Gypsy music, and traditional Brazilian dances. Nearly 350 artists — musicians, singers, and dancers — perform during the week, offering a striking panorama of global cultural richness.

Varied shows throughout the town

The festival takes over the entire town of Murat with a diverse program: major indoor shows at the Gymnase municipal (route d'Aurillac, avenue Olonne-sur-Mer), street parades in the medieval alleys, square animations on the Place du Balat, intimate cabaret evenings, and discovery workshops for children and adults. The Festival Chalet, located on Place du Balat, serves as the reception and ticketing point throughout the event.

Reach across 17 municipalities

The originality of the Festival Mondes Croisés also lies in its territorial reach. Beyond Murat, the invited troupes perform in 17 associated municipalities in Cantal and neighboring departments, including Saint-Flour, Brioude, and Marvejols. This diffusion allows it to reach a wider rural audience and bring culture to areas sometimes far from major urban centers.

A popular and unifying event

With approximately 17,000 spectators each year, the Festival Mondes Croisés has become an unmissable summer event in Cantal. The event benefits from the support of the Town of Murat, the Department of Cantal, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. Its warm atmosphere, the quality of its programming, and the beauty of the natural setting make it a unique moment of sharing and discovery, where borders fade in favor of encounters and celebration.