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In a small corner of Brittany, France, cows are not just farm animals; they’re dance partners. Yes, this Brittany festival features dancing cows.
Every July, the town of Plouguerneau turns into a stage where black and white Prim’Holstein cows show off their moves at the Festival of Dancing Cows.
If you think this sounds made up, you’re not alone. But it is completely real and has been making both locals and tourists smile for over two decades.
The Story Behind the Dancing Cows
The festival started in 1993 when local dairy farmers wanted to show people that cows could do more than just give milk.
They trained their cows to move to music, and soon enough, what started as a small show turned into one of Brittany’s most talked-about summer events.
These cows don’t just walk around in circles. They follow specific dance moves, guided by their farmers who spend months teaching them.
The training starts when the cows are young, usually around six months old. The farmers use treats and gentle words to help them learn the steps.
Each year brings new participants and fresh ideas to the festival, while keeping the original spirit of celebrating the bond between farmers and their animals.
The event shows how patience and dedication can turn an unusual idea into something special that brings the whole community together.
Today, the festival has become a highlight of Brittany’s summer calendar, bringing together farmers and their dancing cows from across the region.
How Do You Teach a Cow to Dance?
Teaching a cow to dance takes time, patience, and lots of treats. The farmers start by getting the cows used to music playing in their barns.
Then they slowly introduce simple movements, like walking in time with the beat.
As the cows get more comfortable, they learn to turn, stop, and even bow their heads in sync with the music.
The secret is in the bond between the farmer and the cow. These animals are smart and can pick up on subtle cues from their handlers.
They also have great memory, which helps them remember their dance moves from one practice to the next.
The Big Show
On festival day, the cows put on quite a performance. They wear flower garlands and ribbons as they parade into an open field that becomes their dance floor.
The music starts, and that’s when the magic happens.
These thousand-pound dancers move with surprising grace, following their handlers through carefully planned routines.
When the sun rises on show day, farmers are already up early, grooming their cows and adding final touches to their decorations.
Each cow gets special treatment, from brushed coats to carefully placed flowers that match their dance theme.
Some farmers even add small bells to their cows’ neck ribbons, creating gentle chimes that blend with the music during their performance.
The show has performances throughout the day, with each farmer and cow pair getting about ten minutes in the spotlight.
The music ranges from traditional Breton folk tunes to modern pop songs, making sure there’s something for everyone in the crowd.
Between shows, the announcers share fun facts about each cow, like their names, ages, and favorite treats, while the animals rest and get ready for their next dance number.
More Than Just Dancing
The festival isn’t only about watching cows dance. It’s turned into a full-day celebration of Breton farming culture.
Food stands sell local cheese, butter, and other dairy products. Kids can try milking wooden practice cows, and there are games and activities for all ages.
Local artists set up booths to sell cow-themed artwork, and musicians play traditional Breton music between the dance shows.
The whole event feels like a county fair mixed with a dance recital but with cows as the stars.
What started as a local agricultural show has grown into a beloved regional tradition.
The Farmers Behind the Festival
The real heroes of this festival are the farmers who spend countless hours working with their cows. These aren’t just any farmers but people who have found a way to show others how special their animals are.
Some farmers have been part of the festival since it started. Many say working with the cows for the festival has made farming more fun and given them a new way to connect with their animals.
They say their cows seem to enjoy the attention and the chance to do something different from their usual routine. The positive response from visitors keeps them coming back year after year.
Why People Love the Festival
What makes this festival so special isn’t just the novelty of seeing cows dance. It’s about watching the connection between farmers and their animals.
Visitors often say they never knew cows could be so gentle and graceful. The festival helps people see these animals in a new light. For many visitors, the festival has become a yearly tradition. Families return each summer to see what new dance moves the cows have learned.
This unique festival has done more than entertain people. It’s helped keep traditional farming practices alive in Brittany and given farmers a new way to share their work with the public.
The event brings together people from all walks of life, from local farmers to curious tourists from around the world.
Planning Your Visit
The festival happens every July in Plouguerneau, a coastal town in Brittany. The exact dates change each year, so it’s good to check ahead.
The show usually starts in the morning and continues throughout the day, with breaks between performances. You should bring sunscreen and something to sit on, as most viewing areas are on grass.
There’s plenty of food available, but bringing water is always a good idea. The festival is family-friendly, and kids under 12 usually get in free.
A Lasting Legacy
The dancing cows of Plouguerneau have shown that sometimes the best traditions are the ones that make us smile. The festival proves that amazing things can happen when people think outside the box.
Who would have thought that cows could become dancers? Yet here they are, year after year, bringing joy to everyone who sees them perform.
I’ve always been captivated by Brittany’s unique charm, and I started this site to share my favourite spots and tips with fellow travellers. From exploring hidden beaches to experiencing local culture, I aim to provide practical advice and fresh perspectives on everything this destination has to offer.
