Le FIP Festival

Le FIP: Contemporary Circus in the Heart of Rabastens

The Festival International de Proximité — better known by its acronym FIP — was born in 2021 from the desire of the association Dans les Parages to create a highlight around circus arts in the town of Rabastens and its surroundings. This unique festival has established itself in just a few editions as a must-see event for contemporary circus in the Tarn region.

In Situ Circus Creations

The uniqueness of the FIP lies in its in situ approach: invited companies create shows designed to interact with the spaces they occupy. The alleys of the old town of Rabastens, the CORA site, the spaces of La Fourmilière, public squares, and gardens become ephemeral stages where circus reinvents itself through contact with architecture and the urban landscape.

A Festival of Proximity

The term "proximity" is not just a word in the title: it is at the heart of the FIP's philosophy. The festival focuses on the encounter between artists and residents, between demanding creations and conviviality. Spectators are not mere observers but active participants in a shared artistic adventure. The formats offered — aerial circus, acrobatics, strolls, installations, clowning, performances — are all ways to create connections and transform the perception of public space.

A Growing Festival

Since its creation in 2021, the FIP has seen steady growth, welcoming French and international companies renowned in the world of contemporary circus. The festival also offers open stages, artistic camps, and musical evenings that extend the festival experience long after the final applause. The sixth edition in 2026 confirms the lasting presence of this event in the cultural landscape of the Tarn.