World Storytelling Festival

The World Storytelling Festival: A Unique Rendezvous with Narrative Arts

Born in 2009 on the initiative of the Compagnie Gakokoé, a theater company based in Montbéliard, the World Storytelling Festival has established itself as a major event for narrative arts in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. This biennial festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms, bringing together storyteller artists from all over the world to share their stories, legends, and oral traditions with the public of Franche-Comté.

A Festival That Shines Across the Territory

The originality of the World Storytelling Festival lies in its exceptional territorial anchoring. The performances are not limited to Montbéliard: they take place in about twenty municipalities in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, from media libraries to schools, from museums to community centers, from performance halls to unusual venues. Over 60 performances are scheduled over a week, allowing all audiences to access the art of storytelling, often for free.

Unforgettable Highlights

The festival is structured around several emblematic events. The Maraconte, a true storytelling marathon, takes place under a big top at Square Sponeck, with a performance every hour from 10 am to 5 pm. The Night of Erotic Tales, reserved for "big kids," offers an evening of racy stories accompanied by tastings of magic potions at the L'Accent theater. The Storytelling Safari, an itinerant hunt for stories in the streets of Montbéliard, takes the audience on a playful journey that concludes with a final performance at Les Bains Douches.

The Art of Storytelling, a Vehicle for Sharing and Diversity

Driven by the values of the Compagnie Gakokoé—openness to the world, intercultural exchange, and transmission—the World Storytelling Festival uses oral storytelling as a powerful vehicle for social connection. Invited storytellers share repertoires from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, allowing the audience to travel through cultures without leaving the Pays de Montbéliard. Introduction to storytelling workshops and artist encounters complete the program.

A Family-Friendly and Accessible Event

The program is designed for all ages: shows for young audiences from 3 years old, family sessions, and evening events for adults. Access to many performances is free, in line with the company's commitment to making culture accessible to the greatest number. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of Montbéliard and northern Franche-Comté by offering an original and warm artistic experience.