Festival of Portuguese Folk Dances
Portuguese folklore takes over the streets of Mende
About Portuguese Dances
Portugal in the Heart of Lozère
Every summer, Mende hosts the Portuguese Folk Dance Festival, a colorful event organized by the Association Danses du Portugal, based in Mende. This festival celebrates the richness of Lusitanian folklore through dance, music, and popular traditions of Portugal, testifying to the strong bond between the Portuguese community and Lozère.
A Festive and Colorful Program
The festival takes place over one day at the Espace Événements Georges Frêche, Place du Foirail, with several highlights:
- Folk dance show: on Place du Foirail, several guest groups — including the local Association Danses du Portugal and troupes from other regions of France — present traditional dances from different regions of Portugal, from Minho to Algarve.
- Parade: a colorful procession of dancers in traditional Portuguese costumes parades through the streets of Mende city center, to the sound of folk music.
- Dance party: the day extends into the evening with a ball animated by a group of musicians, in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
A Rich and Vibrant Folklore
Portuguese folklore is one of the richest in Europe, with rhythmic dances, colorful costumes, and lively music that reflect the cultural diversity of Portugal's regions. The ranchos folclóricos (folklore groups) perpetuate these traditions with passion and authenticity.
A Link Between Two Cultures
The Portuguese community has a historical presence in Lozère and actively participates in the department's cultural life. This festival is an opportunity to share and introduce Portuguese traditions, music, and joy of life to as many people as possible, in a spirit of conviviality and intercultural exchange.
An Event Integrated into Mende Life
The Portuguese Folk Dance Festival is part of Mende's summer cultural program and notably participates in the Fête de la Musique with folklore demonstrations. The association is also present at Mende's associations forum, contributing to keeping Portuguese culture alive throughout the year.
Portuguese Dances — edition 2026
The Portuguese Folk Dance Festival will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Mende, at the Espace Événements Georges Frêche (place du Foirail). On the program: from 4:30 PM, a Portuguese folklore show with the local group Danses du Portugal and the Associação Os Camponeses Minhotos from Clermont-Ferrand, followed by a parade in town. From 8:00 PM, a dance party animated by LCShow Music. Free access, catering on site.
2026 Edition: Saturday, July 11
The Portuguese Folk Dance Festival returns to Mende on Saturday, July 11, 2026, organized by the Danses du Portugal Association. The day takes place at the Espace Événements Georges Frêche, place du Foirail, and in the streets of the city center.
Day's Program
- 4:30 PM — Portuguese folk dance show place du Foirail, with the local group Danses du Portugal and the Associação Os Camponeses Minhotos from Clermont-Ferrand. Traditional costumes, music, and dances from different regions of Portugal.
- Parade through the streets of Mende city center to the sound of folk music.
- 8:00 PM — Dance party animated by the group LCShow Music: music, dance, and conviviality late into the evening.
Catering on site
Refreshment stand and catering throughout the day: grilled food, sardines, fries, and cold drinks.
Access and prices
Free admission for all activities. The Espace Événements Georges Frêche is located place du Foirail in Mende, a few minutes' walk from the historic center and the SNCF train station.
Programme Portuguese Dances 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — Espace Événements Georges Frêche, place du Foirail, Mende
- 4:30 PM — Portuguese folk dance show with Danses du Portugal (Mende) and Associação Os Camponeses Minhotos (Clermont-Ferrand) · place du Foirail
- Parade of the two groups in traditional costumes through the city center streets
- 8:00 PM — Dance party animated by LCShow Music · place du Foirail
Catering on site (grilled food, sardines, fries, drinks). Free admission.
Highlights Portuguese Dances 2026
- Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4:30 PM
- Show with two folk groups (Mende and Clermont-Ferrand)
- Parade in traditional costumes in the city center
- Dance party at 8:00 PM with LCShow Music
- Free admission, catering on site
Prices Portuguese Dances 2026
Practical information — Portuguese Dances
Access
The festival takes place at the Espace Événements Georges Frêche, Place du Foirail in Mende, as well as in the city center streets for the parade.
- By car: on-site parking and parking lots near Mende city center.
- By train: Mende SNCF station a few minutes' walk away.
Catering
Refreshment stand and catering on site throughout the day: grilled meats, sardines, fries and cold drinks.
Prices
Free access to all activities (show, parade, dance party).
Contact
Association Danses du Portugal — 25 rue Pré Vival, 48000 Mende.
Phone: 06 47 78 34 74.
Official Facebook page: Association Danses du Portugal.
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Where does it take place — Portuguese Dances
Espace Événements Georges Frêche, place du Foirail
25 rue Pré Vival, 48000 Mende