La Farandole International Folklore Festival returns to Nice next week
Nice's 66th La Farandole International Folklore Festival returns from 12 to 16 August, bringing free performances from five countries to Nice and towns across the Côte d'Azur.
The 66th edition of La Farandole, one of Europe's oldest international folklore festivals, will take place in Nice and across the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis from 12 to 16 August, bringing together performers from around the world to celebrate traditional music, dance and culture.
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Organised every two years by the City of Nice in partnership with the Collectif des Arts Traditionnels - Lou Cat, the festival will welcome groups from Mexico, Benin, Cuba, North Macedonia and Timor-Leste.
All performances are free, with the exception of two evening shows at the Théâtre de Verdure.
This year's programme begins on Thursday 13 August with an opening parade along the Promenade du Paillon, followed by a performance featuring all participating groups at Place Saint-François.
On Saturday 15 August, visitors will be able to enjoy free performances at several markets across Nice, including Cours Saleya, Libération, Saint-Roch and Saint-François, before the evening show, Journey Through Traditional Lands, at the Théâtre de Verdure.
The festival will conclude on Sunday 16 August with a Peace Ceremony at Villa Masséna, followed by the Closing Gala at the Théâtre de Verdure, bringing together all of the participating groups.
In addition to Nice, performances will also take place in several towns across the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis, including Levens, Belvédère, Saint-Jeannet, La Trinité, Saint-André-de-la-Roche, Châteauneuf-Villevieille and Drap.
The full programme for the festival will be officially presented on Wednesday 5 August at the Centre du Patrimoine - Le Sénat in Nice.
Recognised by CIOFF France, an official UNESCO partner dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, La Farandole continues to celebrate traditions from around the world while showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the French Riviera.