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Home > Shark Guides > Events > Fall Events > Paris Banlieues Tango

Paris Banlieues Tango

The famous Paris Banlieues Tango festival takes place for six weeks from mid-October through November. Paris, along with other French cities, celebrate the art of the Tango through concerts, dances, music, singing, cultural exhibitions, festivals, and other events. Also called the “Paris Suburbs Tango” (PBTa), this festival more than just a musical party of the Tango. It is  a famed cultural and historic celebration.

History

The Tango originated in Argentina and Uruguay, as a mix of European and African dancing styles, such as its inspirations from Spanish Flamenco. The dance spread through other European countries in the early 20th century, when sailing and other forms of transportation were more readily available and affordable for the masses.

Argentine sailors first brought Tango to Europe in the early 1900s, which had a big impact aParis, and soon the rest of the Western world. To this day, Paris is considered the European capitol of Tango.

Popularized by Tango legend Carlos Gardel, the Tango spread around the globe to become the international phenomenon that it is today. According to conflicting reports, Gardel, born Charles Romuald Gardes, is either a French native, or was born in Uruguay. What is known is that he lived in Argentina since he was two, and had an early career in singing, dubbed “El Zorzal Criollo” or “The Creole Thrush” by his mentor José Betinotti.

Over the years, as his popularity grew, Gardel starred in silent films and made his singing debut in Paris in 1928, performing at Theater Femina on the Champs Elysees at a benefit concert. This event not only launched Gardel’s musical career, but put Tango on the map. Gardel began singing more tango songs, performing throughout Europe in the 1930s on multiple popular tours.

The Aéssociation FAMA, sponsors of the French festival, was created three decades ago to promote Latin American arts and culture projects with countries in Europe and North America. The organization supports many arts disciplines, including music, speech, theater, drama, education, exhibitions, cultural discussions, and historical trips. The Paris Banlieues Tango festival is one of several annual events organized by FAMA.

What to Do

During the six week celebration, there are hundreds of Tango-themed events you can attend. Grab your dance shoes and go for some Tango dance classes, some of which are taught by the world's most renowned Tango artists. You can also drop in on an educational lecture about the history of Tango, the art of dance, and the cultural background that goes with it.You can catch a showing of a Tango movie, or participate in a debate.Tango-related events permeate the city of Paris. 

Previous Paris Banlieues Tango festivals have organized a series of feature films, documentaries, and short flicks centered around Tango, highlighting cultural, political, and social subjects. Many films also touch on the history and culture of Tango’s origin countries, Argentina and Uruguay.

Many people enjoy the Tango workshops and professional Tango shows put on by esteemed dancers and award-winning Tango couples. The various events of the Paris Banlieues Tango festival are spread throughout Paris, so check local listings and the official websites towards October for more details.

Latin music fans have reason to celebrate, as this festival is a mecca for rich, passionate, and irresistible tunes from Spain. If you’re in for a real adventure, the organization behind the Paris Banlieues Tango festival even offers cultural trips to Argentina and Uruguay, for an authentic tango experience.

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