Fest-Noz 

Visit Fest-Nozliterally "night party" in Breton, is an emblematic celebration of Breton culture. Inscribed in 2012 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by theUNESCO , it embodies the richness and vitality of tradition Breton.​

Origins and history of Fest-Noz

Fest-Noz has its roots in the festive gatherings of Brittany's rural communities. In the past, after days of collective work such as harvesting or threshing, villagers would get together to dance and sing, thus strengthening social ties. These nocturnal festivities were an opportunity to share convivial moments, mixing generations and know-how. However, as lifestyles changed in the 20th century, these traditions almost disappeared. Thanks to enthusiasts such as Loeiz Ropars in the 1950s, Fest-Noz has been revitalized, enabling this tradition to endure and adapt to modern times. .

Traditional Fest-Noz dances

The heart of Fest-Noz lies in its traditional dances, handed down from generation to generation. Among the most popular are .

These dances, though codified, leave room for individual expression and improvisation, reflecting the diversity and richness of Breton culture.

An Dro - Brittany's emblematic dance

An Drowhich means "the round" in Breton, is one of the most accessible dances in the world. Fest-Noz. It is danced in an open chain, where participants hold each other by the little finger and take lateral steps in cadence. Its fluid, repetitive rhythm makes for a convivial atmosphere and encourages the inclusion of beginners.

La Gavotte - A dance in many variations

Visit Gavotte is one of the oldest and most popular dances in the Breton repertoire. There are several variations depending on the region, including :

• Gavotte de l'Aven A fast, dynamic step danced in pairs or chains.
• Gavotte des montagnes (Gavotte Bigoudène) slower and marked by a specific body sway.

All gavotte forms follow an eight-beat structure, and are often accompanied by responsive songs.

Le Plinn - An energetic, bouncy dance

Originally from Trégor and central Brittany, the Plinn is a character dance with a bouncy step. It is danced in a closed chain, with a regular body movement that accompanies the music. The Plinn is renowned for its fast, steady paceThis makes it a particularly physical and lively dance.

Le Fisel - A technical, bouncy dance

Visit Fiseloriginating from the Fisel region (Côtes-d'Armor), is a highly technical dance, recognizable by its short jumps and upright posture. Unlike other Breton dances, where movement is mainly horizontal, the Fisel is characterized by a marked verticality, where the dancers make slight leaps while remaining very upright. The music accompanying the Fisel is often fast-paced and highly rhythmic, showcasing the dancers' agility.

La Ridée - A lively dance from Haute-Bretagne

Visit Wrinkledoften found in High Brittanyis a chain dance in which the dancers move backwards and forwards in rhythm, with characteristic swaying movements. It comes in several variations, such as the Six-beat rigging or the Eight-beat riggingIt alternates between slow and fast phases.

Le Kost ar C'hoad - An intense, rhythmic dance

Originally from central Brittany, the Kost ar C'hoad (meaning "dry wood") is a highly rhythmic chain dance, marked by a sustained cadence and powerful footwork. It requires great precision in step placementmaking this dance impressive to watch and particularly physical for the dancers.

​These dances, though codified, leave room for individual expression and improvisation, reflecting the diversity and richness of Breton culture.

Breton music at the heart of Fest-Noz

Music is an integral part of the event. She's the engine that drives the dancers and creates the festive atmosphere. Traditional instruments take center stage 

• Bombarde : double-reed wind instrument, similar to the oboe, producing a powerful, piercing sound.​

• Binioù : Breton bagpipes, often associated with the bombard, set the rhythm for dances with their spellbinding melodies.​

• Veuze : another type of bagpipe, specific to certain regions of Brittany.​

Over the decades, the music has evolved to incorporate contemporary influences. Modern bands blend traditional instruments with contemporary sounds, bringing a new dynamic to these festive evenings.​

Breton culture

Fest-Noz is much more than just a dance party; it's a reflection of Breton identity. It bears witness to the richness of the language, with Breton used in songs and exchanges, and to the transmission of craft skills, such as the making of traditional costumes. To take part in a Fest-Noz is to immerse yourself in a living culture, where history and modernity blend harmoniously.

List of Fest-Noz 2025

March 2025

• Saturday, March 8, 2025:

  • Saint-Brieuc (22) Dance and song in the Ronde
  • Bourbriac (22) : Fest-Noz ​
  • Cavan (22) Fest-Noz des lycéens ​
  • Saint-Avé (56) Fest-Noz at Espace Jean Le Gac ​
  • Ballancourt-sur-Essonne (91) St. Patrick's Day Grand Fest-Noz ​

• Sunday, March 9, 2025:

  • Trébeurden (22) : Fest-Deiz ​

• Saturday, March 15, 2025:

  • Perros-Guirec (22) Fest-Noz organized by Harpan Diwan e Bro Perroz ​
  • Melesse (35) : Fest-Noz ​

• Saturday, March 22, 2025:

  • Trébeurden (22) : Fest-Noz ​
  • Locoal-Mendon (56) Fest-Noz with Sonerien Du, Arvest and other artists ​

• Sunday, March 23, 2025:

  • Guerlédan (22) : Fest-Deiz

• Saturday, March 29, 2025:

  • Redon (56) Fest-Deiz with Sonerien Du, La Ribote, and L'Orkestrad ​
  • Plounévez-Quintin (22) Fest-Noz - Edition 2025 ​
  • Cavan (22) : Fest-Noz singing ​

• Sunday, March 30, 2025:

  • Loudéac (22) : Fest-Deiz at the Moulin à sons

April 2025

• Saturday, April 5, 2025:

  • Plouay (56) Fest-Noz with Sonerien Du and Arvest ​
  • Taden (22) : Fest-Noz ​

• Sunday, April 6, 2025:

  • Binic-Étables-sur-Mer (22) : Fest-Deiz ​

• Saturday, April 19, 2025:

  • Trégon (22) : Fest-Noz ​

• Saturday, April 26, 2025:

  • Évreux (27) Breton Aber Fest-Noz ​

• Friday, April 25, 2025:

  • Trévou-Tréguignec (22) : Fest-Noz ​

May 2025

Where to find a Fest-Noz?

Festoù-Noz are held throughout the year in Brittany, but some major events attract particular attention 

• Yaouank Festival : held each year at Rennes in November, this is Brittany's biggest festival for the event, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts .

• Cyber Fest-Noz : an innovative event broadcast live over the Internet, enabling Bretons from all over the world to take part in this traditional festival in virtual reality .

To find out the dates and locations of upcoming Festoù-Noz events, specialized websites and local tourist offices are invaluable resources.

Practical information about taking part in a Fest-Noz

Taking part in the event is an experience open to all, novices and initiates alike. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.

• Dress code : Choose comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dancing.​

• Introduction to dances : don't hesitate to join the dance circles. The regulars are generally welcoming and ready to guide newcomers.​

• Atmosphere : expect conviviality and good humor! The Fest-Noz is above all a moment of sharing and collective joy.

History and evolution of Fest-Noz

The rural origins of Fest-Noz

Visit Fest-Noz has its roots in the country parties of yesteryear. Until the early 20th century, rural life in Brittany was punctuated by collective work (harvesting, threshing, flax-picking...), which often ended with an evening of dancing. These nocturnal gatherings, called "festoù-nozIn the early days, villagers gathered to dance to the sound of traditional instruments or a cappella songs (kan ha diskan).

The Breton dances of the time were mainly collective and passed down orally from generation to generation. Each region had its own styles and variations, such as theAn Drothe Gavottethe Plinn or the Fisel.

Decline in the 20th century

With the modernization of society and the rural exodus, these festive gatherings gradually declined in the first half of the 20th century. Twentieth century. Industrialization and changing lifestyles have led to the disappearance of collective farm work, reducing the opportunities for traditional dance parties.

In addition, the francization of Brittany in the early 20th century led to the marginalization of the Breton language and associated cultural practices, directly threatening the survival of the festivals.

The rebirth of Fest-Noz in the 1950s

Faced with this gradual disappearance, a number of enthusiasts of Breton culture have undertaken a work of re-creation. revitalizing Fest-Noz. Among them, Loeiz Roparsa singer and collector of traditions, played a key role in the resurgence of Fest-Noz.

In the 1950s, he organized Modern" partieswith the aim of recreating these dance evenings and enable new generations to learn traditional dances. This momentum is supported by the development of bagadoù (Breton musical ensembles) and Celtic circleswho work to safeguard Brittany's musical and choreographic heritage.

Thanks to these initiatives, the Fest-Noz becomes a cultural phenomenonattracting an ever-growing audience, well beyond Breton circles.

Contemporary developments

Since the 1970s-1980s, the party has been modernized and diversified. While traditional musicians and singers remain the mainstays of these events, many artists have integrated contemporary influences (rock, jazz, electro), attracting an even wider audience.

Iconic bands such as Tri Yann, Ar Re Yaouank, and more recently Plantec or Denez Prigenthave contributed to renewing Breton music adapting it to modern tastes while retaining the spirit of collective dancing.

Today, these are no longer just local events, they also take place at outside BrittanyThe Breton diasporas in North America and Australia are just two examples.

The arrival of Cyber Fest-Nozan event broadcast live on the Internet, bears witness to Fest-Noz's ability to adapting to new technologies and reach an ever-widening audience.

Modernization

While the event's origins lie in centuries-old traditions, it has evolved with the times. Today, contemporary artists integrate rock, jazz and electronic influences, bringing a new dimension to these evenings. This modernization testifies to the ability of Breton culture to reinvent itself while preserving its essence.​

The social and community dimension

Beyond dance and music, Fest-Noz plays a central role in social cohesion in Brittany. It brings together people from all walks of life, reinforcing the sense of community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Fest-Noz

What is a Fest-Noz?

Visit Fest-Noz is a traditional Breton festival featuring group dancing to live traditional music. It's a moment of conviviality, sharing and cultural transmission.

What is the origin of the event?

Fest-Noz has its origins in Breton rural evenings, when villagers gathered after farm work to dance and sing. It was revived in the 1950s to preserve this tradition.

Who can take part in a Fest-Noz?

Everyone can take part in a Fest-NozWhether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer. The dances are accessible and the regulars are happy to help newcomers learn the steps.

Do you have to know how to dance to go to a Fest-Noz?

No, no Breton dance experience is required. Dances are often collective and easy to learn by watching or being guided by other dancers.

What are traditional musical instruments?

The main instruments of the Fest-Noz are the bombardethe binioù (Breton bagpipes), l'diatonic accordionthe violin and the guitar. Some modern bands also incorporate electronic or rock influences.

What are the most popular dance styles?

The most common dances are theAn Drothe Gavottethe Plinnthe Fiselthe Wrinkled and the Kost ar c'hoad. They are usually danced in a circle, line or chain.

How can I find a Fest-Noz near me?

Fest-Noz are regularly organized in Brittany and sometimes elsewhere in France and abroad. You can check specialized websites, social networks or tourist offices for upcoming dates.

What's the difference between a Fest-Noz and a Fest-Deiz?

Visit Fest-Noz (night party) takes place in the evening, while the Fest-Deiz (daytime party) takes place in the afternoon, but the principle remains the same: dance, music and conviviality.

Is Fest-Noz recognized by UNESCO?

Yes, in 2012UNESCO registered the Fest-Noz at intangible cultural heritage of humanityrecognizing its importance in preserving and transmitting Breton culture.

Can I attend a Fest-Noz outside Brittany?

Yes, many events are organized elsewhere in France and even internationally, particularly in expatriate Breton communities. From Cyber Fest-Noz are also available online.

This FAQ will help you better understand and enjoy the unique experience of a Fest-Noz !