A decade of 'Les Estivales': ​ Pairi Daiza’s summer evening festival

Over six weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, plus two special Belgium-themed evenings on 20 and 21 July, visitors can enjoy an eclectic, multidisciplinary programme renewed 65% compared to previous editions. Fresh additions include cosplay performances and laid-back DJ sets, all staged within the distinctive atmosphere of the Park’s themed worlds.

Across the gardens of Pairi Daiza, 19 stages, blending harmoniously into the Park’s different worlds, will come to life from 6 PM until 11 PM. Each natural setting becomes the backdrop for a unique cultural experience.

For this anniversary edition, Pairi Daiza has created seven different programmes across six weekends, with two additional Estivales evenings entirely dedicated to Belgium.

During each festival evening, around 70 performers will perform on 19 stages spread throughout the Park’s gardens and pathways. More than 80 acts from around the world will deliver nearly 90 performances each night, blending dance, circus arts, magic, street theatre, music and traditional folklore from a wide range of cultures.

With more than 261,000 visitors participating last year, the Estivales continue to strengthen their reputation as one of the highlights of the Belgian summer calendar.

Acts from around the globe

The event will also feature acts from around the globe from Belgium to India and China, further enhancing the spirit of cultural discovery that lies at the heart of the Pairi Daiza experience. Some international highlights are:

With roots in Chinese martial arts and performances seen at major martial arts events in Europe and beyond, Lu Yun Ling Wushu will bring a colourful and highly visual introduction to the world of wushu and lion dance. To the rhythm of drums, gongs and cymbals, the fully costumed lion and dragon performers move through powerful acrobatics traditionally believed to chase away evil spirits and bring happiness and prosperity. Performed by highly trained Kung Fu practitioners, the Lion Dance requires exceptional strength, agility and coordination: one performer carries the head and brings the lion’s expressions to life, while the second, holding on at the waist, supports the movements, postures and aerial acrobatics that make the creature appear alive. The group is led by Maître Lu Yun Ling, a 7th Duan Kung Fu Wushu and Tai Chi master who has taught in Belgium since 2001, and has become a staple for Les Estivales.

International Natraaj Youth Ballet (INYB) brings a poetic encounter between classical ballet, contemporary dance and Indian cultural heritage to Pairi Daiza. Based in Belgium, the ensemble creates performances inspired by Indian spirituality, mythology and timeless stories, translating them into a highly visual stage language of movement, costumes and atmosphere. Two creations, Bollywood Massala and Colours of India, offers visitors an accessible and elegant introduction to India’s cultural imagination, where dance becomes a bridge between traditions, emotions and contemporary artistic expression.

Singer, kora player and composer Lubiana brings a warm and soulful musical universe to Pairi Daiza, shaped by her Belgian-Cameroonian roots and the enchanting sound of the kora, the West African harp that has become central to her artistic identity. Blending pop, folk, soul and African influences, her music builds bridges between continents and traditions, carried by an expressive voice and an intimate stage presence. Her performance invites visitors into a poetic, contemporary and deeply personal journey where heritage, emotion and modern songwriting meet.

Carefully designed and curated

The festival programme has been carefully designed with the wellbeing of Pairi Daiza’s more than 8,000 animals in mind. Stages are spread throughout the gardens to maintain a harmonious atmosphere, while sound levels are intentionally kept moderate. This approach allows visitors to enjoy performances in an immersive and welcoming setting while respecting the animals that call the Park home.

“Over the past ten years, the Estivales have become far more than a summer event! They are a genuine artistic journey through the cultures of the world. For this anniversary edition, we wanted to create a programme that is even more immersive, festive and surprising, with plenty of room for emotion, discovery and creative encounters from across the globe. Visitors can discover performances as they move from one world to another, enjoying what could be described as “artistic tapas”: a rich variety of short experiences to sample, discover and enjoy.” says Daphné Cornez, Artistic Director of the Estivales at Pairi Daiza.

This year’s programme brings together 12 artistic disciplines for all ages and tastes: from world music to pop-rock, from traditional dance to breakdance, as well as magic, acrobatics, juggling, clown performances, giant puppets, equestrian demonstrations, stilt walkers, kung fu and even cosplay in The Land of the Rising Sun.

In total, 271 different artists will perform at Pairi Daiza this summer.

The artists are eager to play the game

Each act performs at least four times per evening, with schedules designed to allow visitors to experience as many shows as possible. The result: almost 90 performances every evening.

While some technical acts like dance and acrobatics are repeated precisely over the different performances, some bands play the game to challenge themselves to bring something fresh and new each time.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Johan Vreys

Spokesperson, PAIRI DAIZA

• johan.vreys@pairidaiza.eu
• +32(0)68 85 80 80
• +32(0)474 63 66 41

• www.pairidaiza.eu