International Folkloric Dance Festival

World Dance in One of France's Most Beautiful Villages

Every summer in August, La Bastide-Clairence, a Navarrese town founded in 1312 and classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, opens its squares and alleys to folkloric groups from all over the world. The International Folkloric Dance Festival transforms the village into a crossroads of cultures where Basque dances, Slavic dances, African dances, Latin American dances, and Asian dances meet in a whirlwind of colors, music, and traditional costumes.

An Outdoor Performance Program

The festival offers outdoor folkloric dance performances in the village squares, notably Place des Arceaux and Place du Fronton. Each invited group presents a repertoire of traditional dances and music from its region or country of origin, accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The performances are punctuated by moments of sharing where the public is invited to dance and participate.

The Meeting of Basque Traditions and World Cultures

One of the festival's strengths lies in the meeting of local Basque traditions and world cultures. Basque dance groups from the village and the region actively participate in the festival, offering demonstrations of mutxikoak (Basque jumps), fandango, and other traditional dances from the Basque Country. This friendly encounter between local and international traditions enriches each edition and creates unique moments of sharing.

A Unifying Event for the Village

The International Folkloric Dance Festival is a unifying event for the community of La Bastide-Clairence. Residents welcome the invited groups, participate in the organization, and animate the meals and convivial moments that mark the festival. Admission to the performances is free, in line with the popular spirit of this event which contributes to the cultural and tourist radiance of the village throughout the summer.