FIFO
Le Festival International Folklorique d’Octodure (FIFO), celebrates 40 years of passion for world cultures during the 20th edition of FIFO, which will be held from July 31 to August 8, 2026 in Martigny – Valais – Switzerland!
From the lands of Africa to the foothills of the Balkans, from the Andes Mountains to the Rockies, from the Pacific Islands to the peaks of the Alps, FIFO invites you on a unique journey where TRADITIONAL CULTURE is expressed in all its beauty and diversity. Come and discover the emotions, songs, and dances of women and men who share their heritage with passion and authenticity.
A traditional arts festival is much more than a performance: it's a space of peace and fraternity, where exchanges take place without ethnic or religious boundaries, and where each participant opens their heart to share the best. A unique opportunity to see that it is individuals, not nations, who wage war, and that culture can unite where conflict divides.
This year, FIFO is expanding with an exceptional event: the Cantonal Costume Festival, on August 8, with a grand folk parade bringing together 1000 participants, celebrating the richness of Valaisan traditions in all their splendor.
Unavoidable throughout the summer, FIFO enjoys the unwavering support of the City of Martigny and is a member of CIOFF, the international organization of folklore and traditional arts festivals. Faithful to the principles of this NGO, an official partner of UNESCO, the festival is accredited to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.UNESCO.
GUEST ENSEMBLES
GUEST ENSEMBLES
ICH
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage – ICH?
What is meant by “cultural heritage” has changed considerably in recent decades, partly as a result of the instruments developed by UNESCO.
Cultural heritage does not stop at monuments and collections of objects.
It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and transmitted to our descendants, such as oral traditions, them performing arts, them social practices, rituals and festive events, them knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills necessary for traditional craftsmanship.
Martigny cultural capital of Valais
Martigny invites you to the Manor Square to feel the rhythms of the world music festival "The 5 Continents", or around the corner for its authentic artisan market. Let yourself be charmed by the friendly atmosphere of the Plan-Cerisier Festival in the middle of his vineyard, by the effervescence of the Valais Fair, or by the unique atmosphere of theAmphitheater during a spectacular battle of queens. At Bourg, it's the traditional Bacon Fair which awaits you, before giving way, at the end of the year, to the magic of Christmas Market right in the city centre.
The art of living can be felt on every street corner: savor the famous liqueurs distilled at Morand Since 1889, enjoy the southern climate in the shade of the century-old plane trees, and be inspired by the world-class art exhibitions at the Fondation Gianadda or in the city's many galleries and museums. For an unforgettable encounter with the living heritage of the Alps, take a detour through Barrylandwhere the famous dogs of the Great St. Bernard Pass share their history and affection with visitors. Between sport, culture and local traditions, Martigny passionately cultivates its status as a cultural capital.
