Occitan Night: Cicada Bal is a traditional folk dance evening, known in French as a bal trad, held at Gazette Café in Montpellier on the evening of 4 November. It is a night for dancing rather than sitting and listening, and it suits visitors who want to see local music in a relaxed café setting.
The music
Cicada Bal is a trio from the Hérault region. Its line-up brings together flute, fife, guitar, mandolin, bass and percussion, giving the tunes a lively and rhythmic sound. The programme draws on the familiar dance forms of the folk repertoire: mazurkas, waltzes, scottishes and bourrées. You do not need to know the steps in advance, as these dances are usually led and easy to pick up as you go.
What to expect
- Date: the evening of 4 November
- Start time: approximate, as the organiser only gives "in the evening", so check the venue's agenda before you go
- Venue: Gazette Café, Montpellier
- Booking and details: the event is listed in the café's weekly agenda for 3 to 7 November
Montpellier, the regional capital of Occitania, makes a convenient base for the evening. Its historic centre is a short walk from many cafés and restaurants, so you can eat or have a drink before or after the dancing.