The Saint-Loup Festival is a festival of Breton dancing and Celtic music that takes place every year at Guingamp in Côtes-d'Armor between July and August. Founded in the 19th century, this is one of Brittany's oldest festivals. It was originally based on a grand pardon and a public ball during which the "dérobée", a big folk dance procession, took place. In the 1910s, Gouren tournaments and Breton wrestling demonstrations were introduced.
Since 1957, the festival has hosted the national Breton dancing championship, which is still one of the highlights of the event. It begins with the dérobée challenge and is followed by a folk dance competition where each team competes in a prescribed routine.
The Saint-Loup Festival is also a chance for the public to discover Breton traditions through Breton dancing workshops for beginners and Breton games of strength, a traditional costume competitions, shows with regional pipe bands called bagads and traditional celebrations called fest-noz. The Bugale Breizh, a day for all the children, whether in fancy dress or not, is a great opportunity to get together and take part in a wide range of cultural workshops.
