Fête des Sottises

Fête des Sottises: Street Arts Festival in Salies-de-Béarn

Every summer in July, the picturesque streets of Salies-de-Béarn become the stage for a colorful street arts festival: the Fête des Sottises. For three days, about fifteen companies take over the spa town to offer shows mixing theater, circus, dance, music, mime, and puppetry.

A Popular and Generous Festival

Fête des Sottises is distinguished by its spirit of sharing and accessibility. All performances are 'pay-what-you-want': spectators contribute according to their means at the end of each show or at the donation desk. This philosophy allows everyone, regardless of their budget, to enjoy quality artistic programming. The festival attracts around 20,000 spectators each year, demonstrating its strong presence in the Béarn cultural landscape.

A Rich and Eclectic Program

The Fête des Sottises program explores all facets of street arts. Shows unfold day and night in the streets, squares, and gardens of Salies-de-Béarn, transforming the town into an open-air stage.

Guest Companies

Each edition hosts about fifteen French and international companies, selected for their creativity and ability to connect with the audience. The shows cover a wide artistic spectrum:

• Street Theater: in-situ creations, itinerant theater, and interactive performances
• Contemporary Circus: acrobatics, juggling, tightrope walking, and aerial arts
• Dance: urban choreography and outdoor dance performances
• Music: concerts, itinerant brass bands, and sound creations
• Puppetry and Visual Arts: shows for all ages

The "Préambules": A Week of Discovery

Fête des Sottises begins with a week of "Préambules" preceding the main festival. From Monday to Thursday, shows are offered in the surrounding municipalities, allowing street arts to shine beyond Salies-de-Béarn and create connections between the nearby villages.

Lacaze aux Sottises: The Organizing Association

The festival is organized by the association Lacaze aux Sottises, whose mission is to promote performing and street arts in the Béarn des Gaves region. Beyond the summer festival, the association organizes cultural events throughout the year, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and dynamism of Salies-de-Béarn.