Européade

Since its creation in Antwerp in 1964, the Européade has grown to become Europe’s leading popular culture event. It is the expression of a belief in friendship and fraternity between the peoples of Europe, based on the idea of “unity in diversity”.

Initially held over two days, the event has grown to include five days of festivities.

In concrete terms, the Européade is the annual gathering of 4,000 to 6,000 Europeans, united by the folk art and traditions of their respective regions.

The organization of the event is in the hands of an international committee, made up of members representing the various regions of Europe, who give a mandate to an executive board.

To help spread the basic idea, the Européade is an itinerant event. Each year, it takes place in a different European city. Practical organization on site is entrusted to a local committee, which operates in collaboration with and under the responsibility of the International Committee.

On average, the event welcomes 250 folk music and dance groups from all over Europe, representing between four and six thousand performers.

In 2016, Namur hosted the 53rd edition of the Européade, and has since become a Ville de l’Européade.