The Fest Noz or Night Festival is a very important, exciting and symbolic time in Brittany.
The Bretons get together for their unique form of country dancing and celebrations.
As the sonneurs play with increasing energy and vigour, the dancers throw themselves into the rhythmic and energetic “gavottes” or “ridees” - everyone joins in, young and old alike. In past times in rural Brittany people wore wooden sabots or clogs, and as the musicians played faster and faster the dancers steps tapped out the rhythm, accentuating the music like Celtic drums. Of course, modern day shoes have now replaced the clogs, but the traditional folk dances and music of Brittany are still as exciting as ever !
As for all such special events traditional costumes are worn, adding to this festival the colourful richness of ancient and everlasting culture.
The Fest Noz remains today an ever popular traditional Breton event, which brings people of all ages together to enjoy a wonderful time!
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