Halloween Ukulele Festival of Montpellier #3

The Halloween Ukulele Festival (HUF) is organized by the Ukulele Club of Montpellier, whose sponsoring association, HISPARAMAC-UKULÉLÉ CLUB DE MONTPELLIER, was established in 2015 and now brings together over sixty musician-singers.

• Entirely run by volunteers, this festival is primarily a human adventure based on personal and collective commitment founded on values of sharing, solidarity, and brotherhood. We deeply believe in the social utility of a festival designed and realized together, fostering encounters, intergenerational exchanges, and social diversity through music. Through altruistic musical offerings, the festival encourages an open and benevolent approach.

• The ukulele serves as a wonderful vector for social connection and inclusion. Its spread and enthusiasm open the door to diversity and the discovery of others. It nurtures creativity, collective enjoyment, and well-being. Common listening, generosity, and artistic curiosity are the values that inspire all members and the organizing team of the Halloween Ukulele Festival #3.

• This small instrument, the ukulele, is accessible, friendly, unifying, and brings together enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Easy to learn, it allows many to share the joy of playing and singing together. Its growth, largely driven by social networks and connections between clubs in France and around the world, has particularly strengthened during the COVID lockdowns. The ambition of HUF Montpellier is to unite this musical community to offer both amateur attendees and established artists a space for encounters, sharing, and musical expressions. The goal is simple: to create closeness and empower everyone to act on the same stage.

• The theme “Dia de los muertos” aligns with the festival dates. The Mexican Day of the Dead challenges the codes surrounding mourning. In Mexico, two days of sharing and communion elevate death to a simple passage that is joyfully celebrated. This millennia-old tradition has been recognized since 2008 as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. A true dive into a colorful and flowery world, where death allows us to celebrate life. Let us also celebrate life through music on the ukulele!

The HUF of Montpellier is aimed at all ukulele enthusiasts, clubs, families, and curious individuals wishing to discover this musical universe. About thirty French and foreign clubs have already expressed their interest, coming from Paris, Marseille, Amiens, Bordeaux, Sète, Montélimar, Nice, Toulouse, Toulon, Rome, Liège, and more.

• This festival promotes a musical practice open to all, amateurs and professionals alike, where everyone can become both spectator and performer, as the stage is accessible to all, regardless of skill level. Live performance is plural!

• For this third edition, the goal is also to encourage the participation of foreign clubs through travel assistance... The cost of transport had previously deprived us of this.

The HALLOWEEN UKULELE FESTIVAL is part of a social and environmental responsibility approach through the civic signing of the Charter of 15 commitments, including:

• Reduction of printed materials in favor of social networks and musical parades for the promotion of the Festival

• Elimination of single-use plastics, use of eco-friendly dishes, bulk packaging of beverages, water fountains

• Collection and sorting of waste

• Encouragement of carpooling, promotion of cycling and public transport in the city and its surroundings

• Support for short circuits of the local economic fabric: Breweries and caterers that prioritize local and seasonal products, preparation of foodstuffs on-site (HAPPY FOODING and LA CANTINA de Maraichons in Sablassou).

Find all practical information and plan your visit.