Festival of Dances and Music of the World of Amélie-les-Bains

Over 80 years of international folklore traditions

Since 1943, the spa town of Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda has hosted the Festival of Dances and Music of the World every summer, one of the oldest international folklore festivals in France. Under the patronage of the French National Commission for UNESCO and CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts), this event brings together around 300 artists from five continents.

Four days of shows and sharing

The festival spans four days in early August and transforms the spa town into a crossroads of world cultures:

• Grand parades through the streets of Amélie-les-Bains with all the folklore groups
• Folklore galas at the Théâtre de Verdure with international troupes
• Themed shows: flamenco in Palalda, world music, traditional dances
• Sardanes and Catalan music with a local cobla
• Festival mass and street entertainment

A strong Catalan anchor

While the festival celebrates world cultures, it remains deeply rooted in Catalan tradition. Evenings systematically include sardanes, Catalan music concerts, and local folklore demonstrations, creating a dialogue between Catalan identity and traditions from elsewhere.

The night of all continents

The festival's highlight is the "From One World to Another" evening at the Théâtre de Verdure, where all groups come together for a grand gala blending dances, music, and costumes from around the world in a colorful and moving spectacle symbolizing fraternity among peoples.