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Attacafa is a cultural association created in Lille in 1984, a few months after the March for Equality and Against Racism. The aim of this association is “to spread a universal culture not based on uniformity but on diversity that builds a mutual and a permanent enrichment”. This association organizes cultural events in order to broadcast world music in a nomadic universal scene and was associated with the operation Lille 2004, the Capital of culture. It was also known for its International Soup Festival “Louche d’or” (Golden ladle) which takes place every year at Wazemmes and was also duplicated in other countries.

Origins
Attacafa is among the many associations that were established after the March for Equality and Against Racism in 1983, and is one of those which has lasted. Its name is the acronym of the Association for the study of theatre, cultural animation and Francophone friendship, but it also means "Culture" in Arabic.

A nomadic universal scene
Since its creation, Attacafa has organised world music gigs in the Lille region and has obtained the participation of famous artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or Paco de Lucía. The Opéra de Lille quickly entrusted Attacafa with its world music scheduling. Then, Attacafa became associated with the events of Lille 2004 and afterwards Lille 3000, particularly linked to Maisons-Folies.

The Soup Festival
The International Soup Festival (or Louche d’or) is a humorous, symbolic and festive competition conceived by the Attacafa association, on the unifying theme of soup, which is the only common dish throughout the world. It has taken place every 1st May since 2001 in the Wazemmes district in Lille (North), and includes world music concerts. The location is served by the Wazemmes and Gambetta metro stations. Everyone is invited to challenge competitors to make soup in order to win the distinguished Golden Ladle. In addition to the active participation of festival-goers, this competition honours the culture of the five continents through a rich and a wide cultural program which draws on every field (music, theatre, street arts, cooking, dance, shows in private homes, etc.). The festival provides a real world tour. This festival includes more than 600 artists, 150 soup makers and 50,000 spectators. More than a festival, it is a real social project which aims to be popular and to discover the world citizens and world cultures. So it is built by many people, and is based on an ethics and a charter which currently goes beyond the borders of France.