Mai que Mai FestivalFestival Mai que Mai
Colombières-sur-Orb, Occitanie (Haut-Languedoc), France
Save this celebration to keep it in your plan.
🎟 Free entry
FestivalAtlas
An itinerant Occitan cultural festival spanning several towns in the Orb and Jaur valleys each May (e.g., Colombières-sur-Orb, Olargues). Over 5–6 days (late May 2025: May 26–31) it features concerts, traditional dance (bal), storytelling, art exhibitions, and workshops celebrating Occitan language and heritage 1 2. The festival comes to village squares and community halls, fostering appreciation for regional traditions.
Organized by a coalition of local cultural associations (e.g., Tafanari), 'Mai que Mai' traces to the May Day (Mai) folk festivities. The name means 'May forever!' in Occitan. It's aimed at both locals and newcomers to revive pagan and peasant folk elements typical of the countryside.
Venues and routes
Salle polyvalente de Colombières-sur-Orb · Colombières-sur-Orb
Salle polyvalente de Colombières-sur-Orb
Main · Main stage and evening events · Rue de l'Espigare, 34390 Colombières-sur-Orb · Colombières-sur-Orb
Salle Achille Bex
Indoor venue for workshops, exhibitions, and conference programs · 14 Rue Georges Jakhot, 34600 Bédarieux · Bédarieux
Place de la République
Outdoor concert/dance space for festival events · Colombières-sur-Orb, 34390 · Colombières-sur-Orb
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Mon, May 25
Procession through Bédarieux market with float and drum (`Carabena` and stilt performers)
Arrive by 11:00 at the market; stand along the route for best views of dancers and musicians.
Traditional Occitan dance party featuring live band Patin Couffin in Bédarieux.
Wear dancing shoes and join the crowd on the floor; beginner-friendly dances.
Final day · Sat, May 30
Open dance party led by regional groups (Raices Flamenca, Carabena, etc.) after the final evening.
Early arrival (around 20:30) to secure a good spot; expect a delightful party atmosphere lasting late.
A compact reference once the trip is real.
Practical notes refreshed Mar 4.
Typical price: €0 - €35
Moderate crowds · Lively energy
Moderate crowds in venues and streets; main dance areas get quite full in evenings
Generally safe event with low crime; keep an eye on personal items in crowds.
Possible spring showers · Rain events may be held under cover when possible
Daily budget: Low: €50-70 · Drinks: €2-5 (water, soft drinks, beer)
Bring a reusable water bottle and picnic snacks; choose local eateries outside festival stands.
From center: 5–10 min walk from Bédarieux station to festival venues in Bédarieux · Sites are largely accessible (flat terrain, wheelchair-accessible halls)
Help refresh this festival
Current coverage is usable, but a fresher on-ground clip is needed.