International festival of folklore and world traditions in Alençon
Les Folklores du Monde is an international festival of traditional dances and music organized every summer in Alençon by the Folkloric Ensemble "Le Point d'Alençon". For over thirty years, this CIOFF-labeled festival has welcomed folk troupes from five continents for a week of shows, parades, and events showcasing the world's cultural diversity. A true dancing and musical world tour, the festival transforms Alençon into a crossroads of cultures and attracts thousands of spectators each year.
For over thirty years, the festival Les Folklores du Monde has transformed the city of Alençon into a true crossroads of world cultures. Organized by the Folkloric Ensemble "Le Point d'Alençon", this international festival welcomes dance and music troupes from the five continents every summer for a week of celebrating cultural diversity.
Les Folklores du Monde is a festival labeled by CIOFF (International Council of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals), an organization affiliated with UNESCO. This prestigious label guarantees the quality and authenticity of the invited folk groups and places the festival within an international network of events dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions.
The program includes several highlights: open-air performances in the streets and squares of Alençon, a Festigala bringing together all the groups at the Anova exhibition center, a grand panoramic show in the evening, and themed evenings highlighting each invited country. The 2025 edition, the 33rd of its name, hosted groups from Costa Rica, Romania, Senegal, Mayotte, Ukraine, and Normandy.
Les Folklores du Monde is much more than just a festival of shows: it is a true space for intercultural encounters and exchanges. Spectators are invited to taste world cuisines, discover the traditions and customs of each represented country, and participate in the dances and activities offered throughout the week.
The festival is driven by the Folkloric Ensemble "Le Point d'Alençon", a historic cultural association in the city, which works year-round to promote and transmit traditional dances and music. The festival benefits from the support of the City of Alençon, the Urban Community, and the Normandy Region.
Over the years, Les Folklores du Monde has become an event that extends beyond the borders of Alençon and Normandy, attracting an ever-larger audience eager to discover the world's cultural riches through dance, music, and popular traditions.
The 34th edition of Les Folklores du Monde will be held in July 2026 in Alençon, welcoming folk troupes from the five continents for another week of celebrating world cultures.
By car: Alençon is accessible via the A28 from Rouen or Le Mans, and via the N12 from Paris (2h30). Shows take place in various locations in the city: city center, Halle aux toiles, Anova exhibition center.
By train: Alençon SNCF station, served by the Paris-Granville line and TER Normandy.
Open-air performances are free. The Festigala and the panoramic show at the Anova exhibition center are ticketed. Tickets are available from the "Le Point d'Alençon" association and on HelloAsso.
The festival takes place over a week in July. Consult the detailed program on the official website for precise times and locations. World food stalls are present during the main events.
Contact: Folkloric Ensemble "Le Point d'Alençon" – Website: www.lesfolkloresdumonde.fr
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Divers lieux d'Alençon et Parc des expositions Anova