Le Grand Bal de l'Europe

Le Grand Bal de l'Europe: The Largest Traditional Dance Festival in Europe

Since 1990, the Grand Bal de l'Europe has brought together thousands of traditional dance enthusiasts from all over Europe every summer in Gennetines, Allier. For fifteen days, from late July to early August, the hamlet of Gauthiers transforms into an ephemeral village entirely dedicated to traditional dance and music, in a friendly and warm atmosphere that has made the event famous.

A Unique and Authentic Setting

The festival takes place on the site of a former Bourbonnais farm, Gauthiers, located on the D288, halfway between the villages of Gennetines and Trévol, about ten kilometers north of Moulins. Eight dance floors are set up outdoors and under marquees, allowing for simultaneous dancing of different repertoires: bourrées, waltzes, mazurkas, scottishs, polkas, rondeaux, circles, Breton dances, Occitan dances, Scandinavian dances, Balkan dances, and many others.

An Exceptional Musical Program

Each edition hosts dozens of traditional music groups from France and Europe, among the best on the circuit. Musicians perform throughout the day during workshops and classes, and then liven up the balls that continue late into the night. The program covers a wide spectrum of European musical traditions: Occitan, Breton, Auvergne, Basque, Catalan, Irish, Scandinavian, Balkan, Eastern European music, and many other repertoires.

Workshops and Learning for All Levels

One of the major assets of the Grand Bal de l'Europe is its exceptional offer of dance workshops. From beginners to experienced dancers, everyone can find workshops suited to their level. The workshops cover a wide variety of traditional dances: couple dances, chain dances, circle dances, character dances. Traditional music and singing workshops are also offered, allowing musicians to perfect their practice.

An Associative and Participatory Spirit

The Grand Bal de l'Europe is organized by the AEADT (European Association of Lovers of Traditional Dances), founded on December 6, 1989. The association, which had over 5,300 members in 2017, is based on the values of respect, solidarity, culture of consent, experimentation, and exchange. The festival operates thanks to the commitment of many volunteers and promotes an accessible and high-quality approach to traditional dance and music.

Since 2017, the entire Grand Bal has been held at the Gennetines site for fifteen days, after being organized in parallel at a second site in Saint-Gervais-d'Auvergne for several years.

A Way of Life

Beyond dance and music, the Grand Bal de l'Europe is a true way of life. The site has areas for camping, catering, relaxation, and socializing. Festival-goers share meals, moments of spontaneous music, and exchanges that make these fifteen days a unique human experience, far beyond a simple festival.