Trad'Hivernales

Trad'Hivernales in Sommières — a winter gathering dedicated to traditional music and dance

Trad'Hivernales is an annual festival organized every January in Sommières (Gard), by the Coriandre association. For several days, it brings together musicians, dancers, storytellers, and singers around traditional music and dance, with particular attention paid to Occitan culture and language.

A festival rooted in its territory

Located in the heart of the small medieval town of Sommières, the festival takes over several venues in the city: the Espace Lawrence Durrell (media library, Radio Sommières), Le Cart, the Jazz Corner Café, the Tourist Office, the market square, as well as the courtyard of the former Henri Dunant college. It promotes the cultural heritage of the Sommières region and, more broadly, of Occitanie.

Program and activities

Each edition offers a rich program combining concerts, balètis (traditional dances), dance workshops, music workshops, courses, a discovery stage, storytelling, polyphonic songs, and moments of exchange. The festival welcomes groups from France, Occitanie, but also from Belgium, Italy, or Spain, in an openness to all traditional music.

A popular and friendly festival

Trad'Hivernales aims to be accessible to everyone, from families to enthusiasts. The festival traditionally concludes with a free-access Sunday, dedicated to families with dance introductions for children, a shared meal, and a closing dance. It is supported by a team of approximately 120 volunteers alongside the Coriandre association.