The Festival du Houblon is the biggest festival of rhythms and colours from around the world in Eastern France!

PRESENTATION

The Festival du Houblon is a major event with a wide-ranging programme: throughout the town of Haguenau, traditional music and dance performances mingle with rock, Afro-music, salsa concerts and much more. It's an original way to meet people from all over the world, in Alsace, during a vibrant week!

From the Fête du Houblon...

In 1960, the Maison des Associations de Haguenau (formerly the Office des Sports et Loisirs) created the Fête du Houblon, a popular and convivial weekend at the end of the summer, involving the town's various associations and clubs. This event marks the start of the harvesting of hops in the region and is a reference to Haguenau's past as an international trading centre for hops until 1910.

In the early years, the festival invited folk groups from Alsace, Germany and Austria. The festival soon expanded from 3 to 5 days, hosting folk groups from several continents. From the 2000s onwards, groups from all 5 continents were welcomed. Over the years, visitors have been able to discover folklore from more than 100 countries and different regions.

... to the Festival du Houblon

2012 : The festival gets a makeover

Over the past 5 decades, the Festival du Houblon has become an established part of summer in Alsace, welcoming nearly 500 artists from all 5 continents, 1,200 volunteers and 50,000 visitors every year.

While keeping the original elements that have made the event such a success over the years, the 2012 edition has added some new features and strengthened its cultural content with a special programme for young audiences, workshops to discover dances from around the world and a rigorous line-up. The "Fête du Houblon" changes its name to become the "Festival du Houblon".

"Festival du Houblon", a gathering of rhythms and colours from around the world. More than just a name, "festival" reflects the cultural diversity of the event.

2017 : New awards - The Festival du Houblon wins the Grand Bretzel d’Or

The Institut des Arts et Traditions Populaires d'Alsace has chosen to award the Festival du Houblon its highest honour, the Grand Bretzel d'Or, because of its deep roots in Alsace. This award honours the work of the thousands of volunteers who have taken part in organising the festival over the past 58 years. Well done to everyone!

The Institut des Arts et Traditions Populaires d'Alsace was founded in 1976 by Germain Muller. Other winners of the Grand Bretzel d'Or include Tomi Ungerer, the mime Marceau, Paul Haeberlin and Alfred Kastler.

Active member of CIOFF France, official partner of the UNESCO

The Festival du Houblon is now an associate member of the NGO CIOFF France*, becoming part of this international network of over 350 festivals in 90 countries working to promote and spread the folk cultures of the world. This new membership places the Festival du Houblon under the patronage of the French National Commission for UNESCO for its contribution to safeguarding intangible heritage and promoting the diversity of cultural manifestations.

* CIOFF France : Conseil International des Organisations de Festival de Folklore et d’Arts Traditionnels – www.cioff-france.org

THE STAGES

The Festival du Houblon offers a variety of stages, both free and ticketed, to discover the treasures of the world's various cultures.

The Theatre

Two evenings of "D'un monde à l'autre" shows and one of "Voix du Monde" show at the heart of Haguenau's theatre.

The Halle aux Houblons

The Halle is transformed into a large auditorium. Six themed dinner shows invite you to experience something new: while we feast your eyes on the groups amazing shows, the dishes served will tantalise your taste buds! Every evening, Bloosmusik also takes centre stage with brass bands from around the region, starting at 6pm.

The Bar du Monde

The Salle des Corporations is transformed into the Bar du Monde, making it the Festival's musical stage. DJ set every evening after the concerts. On the Bar du Monde menu: 10 different beers and cocktails from around the world.

The Forum des Cultures

Discover the riches of the world right in the centre of Haguenau thanks to the various events that take place at the Forum of Cultures: Siesta musicale, Quatre-heures évasion, Entrez dans la Danse and Folklore by night.

The Festival close to you

Throughout the week, you'll be able to enjoy shows in the different districts of the city of Haguenau.

The Festival du Houblon also offers a wide range of activities for the entire family and children with its programme for young audiences.

THE VOLUNTEERS

Want to experience an extraordinary human adventure, take part in a cultural event not to be missed in Haguenau, meet people from all over the world? Become a volunteer at the Festival du Houblon!

Before, during and after the festival, many people are involved in making this event possible. Without the help of our volunteers, nothing would be possible!

Created in 1960, the Sports and Events Office's mission is to bring life to the town and promote community involvement. Today, more than 90 associations in Haguenau are involved in organising the festival, involving more than 1,200 volunteers. Whether upstream or in the field, the activities managed by the SPE volunteers are wide-ranging: logistical organisation, catering at the Halle aux Houblons, organising refreshment stands, welcoming visitors, security, communications and the sale of programmes, etc.

A group of around sixty volunteers, the "group stewards", are also committed to welcoming artists from the 5 continents during their stay. They show them around the city, guide them and work with them to establish a genuine intercultural exchange. It's a unique experience, where everyone learns from each other, about each other's traditions and daily lives.

If you'd like to join our team of volunteers, please contact us.