Every day is an excuse for a festival in Pays Bigouden ! Traditional fetes and festivals are the best way to discover the beautiful, well-preserved, hand-embroidered costumes and the incredible iconic head dress which is so elegantly worn by women. Go to a Breton dance class then try out your steps at a ‘Fest Noz’ ! Watch the amazing surfing competitions at La Torche. You will find all the dates in the Pays Bigouden calendar l'agenda !
Take a trip around the world at Le Mondial Folk Festival
Every August Plozévet becomes a global destination with music and dancing from ten countries from around the world plus local groups. The village centre becomes the venue for multicultural concerts, gala events, parades and a craft market, a place for memorable encounters and experiences. On the Sunday, all the local Breton and international groups parade through the village providing a wonderful spectacle of colourful costumes, dancers, pipe bands and exotic music, much to the delight of the onlookers.
Useful info :
Gala events and shows (admission fee payable) + free events in the village centre.
Tickets on sale at Offices de Tourisme.
More info at www.mondialfolk.org
Le Shaker Fest : the crazy atmosphere of the 1920s !
The first neo-retro, burlesque festival in Pays Bigouden, Le Shaker Fest is a unique cultural experience open to everyone ! The 2-day event offers a lot more than just concerts : a barber, tattooer, casino, magic show, burlesque show, swing and beatbox contests, wrestling. During a weekend at the beginning of March, the Halle Raphalen, Plonéour Lanvern takes you back to the crazy atmosphere of the 1920s, Shaker-style !
La Fête des Brodeuses
A landmark event in Pont l’Abbé for the past 65 years, the Fête des Brodeuses brings together the essence of Brittany during 3 days of festivities including Fest-Noz, concerts and parades. A real tribute to local culture and traditions.
The high point of the festivities is without doubt the election of the 'Reine (Queen) des Brodeuses' followed by the stirring Triomphe des Sonneurs (parade of pipers) through the town.
There are stalls selling local specialities and promoting local crafts and traditions, like embroidery and lace-making, in the Bois Saint Laurent beside the Pont l’Abbé river.
Surfing competitions
Surfing plays a big part in the Bigouden way of life. For some it is just for fun, while for others it is an art and competitive sport. Events are often held at La Torche, both longboard and shortboard competitions, ranging from local and regional championships to national and international ones. Why not come and watch the surfers one weekend and cheer them on ! There is live commentary from the judges and MC, who also explain the rules of the sport to the spectators.
And then while others are busy on the water, you can laze around the beach, eat a kouign or two and keep an eye on the score !
- Don't forget your binoculars so you can admire the surfers’ moves up close.
- The Bigouden surfing scene is very promising with many up-and-coming youngsters who are well-placed at national level.
- Depending on the competitions, points are awarded for technique, but also style, especially on longboards.
