Festival Interceltique de Lorient

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient

As at every summer for 50 years, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient will run in 2020. And more than 800.000 visitors are expected to attend the festival, one of the most famous among the Celtic world. It takes place in Lorient, Brittany. It is important for me to talk about this festival, because I come from Brittany and it is a Celtic event I attend for years. And for everyone who can attend it, you won't be disappointed. This year, it will run between the 7th and the 16th August, so do not hesitate over going there !

Every year, one Celtic nation is put in the sportlight and this year, as it is the 50th festival anniversary, the Brittany is this nation. Last year, the Galicia was in this position. And 8 other Celtic nations have been in the spotlight since the festival creation: Acadia, Asturias, Australia, Scotland, Galicia, Ireland, Galles, Isle of Man and Cornwall. But 2000 and 2011 were special years where no Cetic nation was honored. In 2000, it was the Celtic World Year, so every Celtic nation was honored, and in 2011, the Celtic diasporas were the special guests.
 

The 10-day festival will begin by a great parade, which will cross the streets of Lorient full of 60.000 spectators, and which will be broadcasted on French TV channels, as it is an important festival for many French people. Around 120 shows will run among those 10 days, leaded by 4500 musicians, dancers and speakers. And if you are worried if you could stay in Lorient for 10 days, don't worry, partnerships with hotels and guesthouses have been made, so everyone who wish to attend the full festival can do it. But all of this could not be possible without the 1600 volunteers who will everything will run normally.

Different kind of shows will happen in different places in Lorient, so you can visit the city during the festival. Of course, there will be fest-noz, music workshops, conferences, concerts, music and dance competitions... Sport events, such as sailboat races and Breton athletic games, works of art exhibitions and a traditional marketplace will also run during the festival.

I hope it will make you want to go there, if you have not yet planned you schedule for the second week of August. You will not be disappointed !

The festival has its own YouTube channel, so if you are interested to watch what it looks like, go on YouTube. Here is the link to watch the aftermovie for the edition of 2019 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a7utNYZ5-A).