Festival in Avignon, 2026, chooses Korean as its special language
The picturesque city of Avignon, France is currently buzzing with excitement as the annual Festival d'Avignon takes place. Established in 1947, this international performing arts festival significantly impacts the city, culturally, socially, and economically.
During a four-week schedule each July, Avignon transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a highly curated program of theater and performing arts. The festival has two main components: the official "In" festival, which features state-subsidized and carefully selected performances, and the "Off" festival, an independent, more experimental counterpart that includes over 1,700 daily performances in theaters, courtyards, and unconventional spaces across the city.
The Festival d'Avignon's significance lies in its cultural prominence, economic impact, urban transformation, social inclusion, and global cultural exchange. It is one of the most important theater festivals globally, driving artistic innovation and dialogue by blending tradition and modernity. The influx of performers, artists, and hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer supports local businesses, hospitality, and tourism, boosting the city's economy substantially.
During the festival, the entire medieval city becomes an open-air stage, integrating cultural events into the urban fabric and enhancing the city's international reputation. The festival's efforts towards accessibility and sustainability have grown, making it more inclusive and environmentally conscious while pushing the boundaries of performing arts. Collaborations and international presentations during the festival facilitate cultural dialogue beyond France, like connections with Romanian theater through the Shakespeare Of(f) Avignon program.
Meanwhile, in a stark contrast to the festivities in Avignon, a shooting occurred at a music festival after-party in downtown Los Angeles. The scene depicted is photographed by REUTERS/YONHAP, showing a woman standing in front of a wall covered with posters advertising plays for the Festival d'Avignon. Two people were killed, and six others were wounded in the shooting.
Elsewhere, a Japanese cultural festival is taking place on Korea's Liberation Day, but it is facing online criticism. In a more positive note, Korea University is hosting an alumni edition of the Ipselenti festival in September, and the Daejeon Zero O'Clock Festival is drawing over 1 million attendees, celebrating the city's past and future. The Daejeon Zero O'Clock Festival is also taking place, with no reported incidents.
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