Designated an area of culture and creativity, Plaine Commune sets itself apart with its manygatherings. From musical events to story telling, there is something for everyone. Some have even become major events in the local calendar, as their standing on the national and sometimes international stage, just like their success with the public, has gone from strength to strength.
Relax, put your feet up and listen to the music – from classical concerts to world music.
Festival de Saint-Denis
Just before summer truly kicks off, this national festival brings together some of the greatest classical musicians the world over. Come and enjoy compositions by Schumann, Mozart, Brahms and Bach in the magnificent surroundings of the Saint Denis basilica or the Maison d’Education de la Légion d’Honneur (The Legion of Honor High School). Don’t miss the deckchairs set out on the square in front of the basilica so you can enjoy the music watching the big screen.
Festival Metis
In spring, an event rich in sound and colour awaits you. Check out the packed and varied programme held throughout Plaine Commune. The Festival Metis showcases a range of artists from various musical cultures who write their own material.
Festival Villes et Musiques du Monde
In autumn, Villes et Musiques du Monde (Towns and music of the world) takes you on a journey to far-away destinations to discover their cultural wealth. The event brings together traditional and contemporary music, and the programme includes workshops, concerts, balls and dance displays. It is held at various locations throughout Seine-Saint-Denis, showing the fantastic cultural diversity of the area.
Festival de Jazz Musette des Puces
The Festival Jazz Musette des Puces (Flea Market Festival of Jazz accordion music) was founded by Serge Malik Hapulat and Didier Lockwood in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. In the Flea market, the tradition of gypsies and street artists visiting bars to play music predates the war. This event draws on the history of these “bar tours” and has also added a concert. The times at which each artist visits the bars is kept a secret so customers can enjoy the surprise. A concert is organised for the Saturday evening, where various well-known artists take the stage.
Africolor
The first year was held at the Théâtre Gérard Philipe in Saint-Denis in 1989. Ten years later, the festival went on tour throughout the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, and even visited towns in the val d’Oise and Paris. Africolor is dedicated to introducing people to African music and cinema and to promote all the regions of Africa, including the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, South Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Festival rencontre jonglage
Festival rencontre jonglage (Juggling festival)Each year, the maison des jonglages (Juggling school) in La Courneuve organises an event celebrating the art of creative juggling. The programme covers the wealth and diversity of juggling across several towns of the area including Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, La Courneuve, Paris and Évry. Other famous events take place in Plaine Commune Grand Paris: the Fête de l’Humanité (a left-wing political culture and music festival), Banlieues Bleues (“Suburb blues” eclectic jazz festival), Les impromptus (festival of circus arts), Rencontres chorégraphiques de Seine-Saint-Denis (festival of choreography), and much, much more.