The Aurillac Festival: A Cultural Saga in Rural Setting
The Aurillac Festival, launched in 1986 in a rural region, has become a global reference in street theatre and public space arts. Organized by ÉCLAT, it celebrates artistic diversity with around 20 official companies and over 650 invited companies. Attracting more than 130,000 spectators from all backgrounds, the festival is an intergenerational and popular event. In July/August, the CHAMP LIBRE tour travels through Cantal with 5 to 6 shows, involving over 25 municipalities in 2023.
The Aurillac Festival: A City Transformed into a Living Stage
Created in 1986, the Festival d'Aurillac aims to showcase street arts in all their dimensions: theatre, circus, dance, music and visual performances. What really sets this festival apart is its ability to transform the city into a huge open-air stage. Performances take place in the streets, on squares, in parks and sometimes even on rooftops, creating a festive and dynamic atmosphere where the public can interact directly with the artists and performances. This annual event transforms Aurillac into a unique meeting place, where culture and conviviality mingle in the heart of the city.
The Aurillac Festival: A Must-See Event for Street Theatre
The Festival d'Aurillac is one of the most emblematic cultural events in the Cantal and is among the largest street theatre festivals in France. Every year, this festival is held in the month of August in the small town of Aurillac, located in the heart of the Massif Central. It attracts thousands of spectators and brings together artists from all over the world, transforming the city into a true cultural and artistic hub.
The History of Street Theatre: A Popular Art in Evolution
Street theatre has its roots in popular traditions, with medieval open-air performances and fair parties. In the 20th century, it became a means of protest expression, especially after the First World War, with artists using the street to convey social and political messages.
In the 1960s and 1970s, it experienced a revival, particularly with companies such as the Théâtre du Soleil. The phenomenon is developing through festivals such as Aurillac, where public space becomes a place of artistic creation. Today, street theatre remains a popular and dynamic form, offering an immersive and direct experience while addressing social and environmental issues. It embodies a living art, accessible to all.
A Place of Discovery and Exchange at the Festival d'Aurillac
The Festival d'Aurillac welcomes a large number of companies each year, whether professional or amateur, from all walks of life. The performances presented are often experimental, bold and original, offering audiences an immersive and unique experience. This festival is a real springboard for emerging artists or in search of recognition, offering them national visibility.
In addition to performances, the festival organizes professional meetings between companies, producers, programmers and organizers of other festivals. These exchanges contribute to the development of street arts, thus creating a real dynamic network in the cultural environment.
The Festival d'Aurillac, one of the largest street theatre festivals in France, will be held from August 20 to 23, 2025. This event attracts thousands of spectators and artists from around the world every year, transforming the city into a living open-air scene.
At the same time, the Aurillac en Scène Festival will take place on June 6 and 7, 2025 at the Prisme, with an eclectic musical program.
How to get to Aurillac?
To get to the Aurillac Festival from the Presqu'île de Laussac, located near Thérondels in Aveyron, here are the steps to follow:
1.By car:
From the peninsula of Laussac, take the D18 towards Thérondels
In Thérondels, continue on the D18 towards Mur-de-Barrrez.
In Mur-de-Barrrez, take the D920 towards Aurillac.
Aurillac is located about 50 km from Mur-de-Barrrez, or about 1 hour drive.
2.By public transit:
From Thérondels, you can take a bus to Aurillac.
The Trans'Cab bus network offers trips between these two cities.
It is recommended to check the opening times and book in advance, especially during the festival as there is a high demand.
Detailed information is available on the official website of Trans'Cab.