« FESTIVALS DU SUD »

A NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

A human adventure

The large international dimension of the folkloric groups/ artistic troops welcomed, the formalities undertaken by the authorities of the countries of origin, the cost of transportation, of medical aid, of insurance/ assistance drove the main French and Spanish festivals to regroup in an organisation in order to facilitate the administrative and diplomatic formalities and to share the programming costs of the amateur artists concerned.
Led solely without lucrative goal by constituted teams of volunteers, this organization wants to be extremely professional and respectful of the ballets that it receives. The organisation "Festivals du Sud" seduces especially by the quality of the groups that it gathers, the sincerity of the meetings, and the festival spirit that it generates.
"Festivals du Sud " reunite, every summer, during the months of July and August, roughly about ten folkloric groups and national ballets of all continents around the world. These ballets are under the responsibility of “Festivals du Sud”, and participate mainly in the principal French and Spanish festivals of arts and popular traditions.

Objectives and organisation :

The organisation "Festivals du Sud", elaborates every year a program of the folkloric groups, coming from all continents, so that the set of the groups is welcomed without discontinuity by the different festivals, from the arrival in Europe to the departure of Europe, or to other destinations, according to a negotiated suitability with the concerned artists.

Every adherent engages in a festival program. He must ensues a coherent circuit permitting to receive the concerned troops.

The choice of the groups is achieved and is confirmed at least one year before the date of the beginning of the "Festivals du Sud". The groups, that would be interested to be involved, can make contact with us on contacts@festivalsdusud.com. They must be composed of adults. The groups of children are not accepted.

Each group must have a complete show of a minimal length of ninety minutes and also accept to participate in music parades, and street animations, also to present, if necessary, a shorter program without loosing any of the vivacity or artistic quality.

The retained groups must have a live orchestra and must not use pre recorded music. The group must have minimum twenty five artists and maximum forty.

"Festivals du Sud" has several sources of recruitment : the cultural office of the French Embassies, the French alliance offices, and the personal contacts that we can have from all over the world with the main folklore festivals. When the groups contact us, they are not necessarily sure to be booked.
The group which solicits its involvement must address a complete file of presentation, including a recorded video, colour photos of the group in costumes, a text with a quick presentation of their program and their history, the composition of the group (how many dancers, singers, musicians, organizers).

The participation of the groups to “ Festivals du Sud ” :

From their arrival on European territory (airport, border…) the group is taken in charge by "Festivals du Sud". The group will be lodged in modern and comfortable establishments. Good standard of food and the lodging. They will receive three meals a day. They will receive a detailed itinerary of their planning in advance with all details of their program in Europe.

During their stay, a medical insurance and assistance will be supplied by "Festivals du Sud". The term of this contract, will cover illnesses or accidents only during their stay. "Festivals du Sud" want to make their tours, an privileged opportunity of cultural discovery. Certain tourist sites are planned during the tour. The groups must arrange some souvenirs - gifts, to be exchanged with personalities or European hosts when you receive the official welcome of town and villages.

In conclusion :

"Festivals du Sud" is a big family whose ramifications continue all over the world. The organisation cannot satisfy all demands formulated by the groups that wish to participate in this world festival of folklore. But, we can give the opportunity for these groups to participate one day, all we ask, is a little understanding, patience and sense of professionalism.