L'Abrazo de la Vilaine

A festival of Argentine tango rooted in the Pays de Redon

Founded in 2019 by Sebastián Ovejero, an Argentine professional dancer from the province of Catamarca, and Marie Quilly, a Breton dancer, L'Abrazo de la Vilaine is a festival dedicated to Argentine tango and folklore. The couple, who met in Andalusia where Sebastián was already working as a professional dancer, settled in the Pays de Redon after ten years in southern Spain. Together, they created the association El Abrazo Tango, which became CREAT Trespugliese, as well as the Trespugliese company, to promote Argentine tango culture in Brittany and the Loire Valley.

Milongas, workshops, and shows for all audiences

For five days, the festival offers a rich and varied program combining milongas (tango dances), dance workshops (tango, chacarera, and other Argentine folk dances), singing workshops, concerts, and shows. The milongas, hosted by specialized DJs from all over France and Europe, take place mainly at the P'tit Théâtre Notre-Dame in Redon, an emblematic venue of the festival located on the banks of the Vilaine river. The program also includes events in the libraries of the intercommunal network and in various heritage sites of the Pays de Redon, such as the Chapelle des Calvairiennes or the Grenier à Sel.

A cultural bridge between Brittany and Argentina

The originality of L'Abrazo de la Vilaine lies in its desire to create a real cultural bridge between the heritage of Redon and Argentine culture. The festival is not limited to dance: it offers moments of sharing around Argentine gastronomy, particularly the asado (traditional barbecue), exhibitions, and conferences on Argentine culture. From its very first edition, the festival brought together nearly 300 people, one-third from the Pays de Redon and two-thirds tango dancers from all over France.

A convivial event open to all

The festival's philosophy is based on accessibility and sharing. The term "abrazo", meaning "embrace" in Spanish, refers to the fundamental embrace position in Argentine tango and symbolizes the festival's spirit of meeting and conviviality. L'Abrazo de la Vilaine is aimed at both experienced tangueros and curious novices, with free introductory classes and activities open to all audiences. Over the years, the festival has built a loyal and growing audience and has established itself as a must-attend event for Argentine tango in Western France.