Festival Musiques et Danses du Monde de Maintenon

An international folklore festival in Maintenon

For over fifteen years, the Festival Musiques et Danses du Monde de Maintenon has been taking spectators on a journey to the four corners of the globe without leaving Eure-et-Loir. Affiliated with CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals), this event hosts international folklore groups every summer who share their musical and choreographic traditions with the public of Eure-et-Loir.

Spectacular galas and cultural encounters

The festival unfolds over three days, in early August, with a program structured around evening galas. The opening gala on Friday evening features half of the invited groups, the Saturday show presents three countries, and the closing gala on Sunday evening brings together all the troupes for a spectacular finale. For the 2025 edition, the represented countries included Papua New Guinea, Peru, Egypt, Taiwan, Iraq, and France.

Moments of sharing with the artists

Beyond the galas, the festival offers moments of sharing with the artists on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, in the park of the Salle Hélène Boucher in Pierres. These convivial times include dance and music workshops, games, picnics, and exchanges with artists from around the world. These encounters allow the public to learn traditional dances, discover unknown instruments, and share a moment of intercultural fraternity.

Strong territorial roots

Organized by the association Les Amis du Château de Maintenon, the festival benefits from the exceptional setting of this town located at the gates of Beauce. Festival ticket holders enjoy a reduced rate to visit the Château de Maintenon, its park, and its gardens during the three days of the event. The festival contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of the territory, attracting a family audience eager to discover the diversity of world music and dance traditions.