From 19 to 28 January 2024, the Principality will host the 46th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo and the 11th New Generation beneath the most iconic of Big Tops. Thousand of international acts will come together on the stage in the world's second smallest country, for an event with global reach.
The circus, a passion passed down through the generations
In 1974, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, a huge fan of the circus, decided to create a new festival to support traditional circus arts and families, and the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo was born! Ever since, it has been one of the world's most prestigious events, attracing thousands of spectators and broadcast to a global audience.
That love for the circus was handed down from father to... daughter, with Princess Stéphanie becoming President of the world's biggest circus festival in 2005. She is also the Honorary President of the World Circus Federation, which represents circuses and circus schools around the world, and works to promote and preserve the values and traditions of the Circus Arts.
Competition in the spotlight
Beneath the famous big top of Monaco, spectators will be treated to a unique circus spectacle featuring a selection of the very best international acts. Every year, a succession of jugglers, magicians, clowns, tightrope walkers, and animals perform a succession of increasingly breathtaking turns over a ten-day period, as they vie to win the greatest prize of the Circus Arts: the Golden Clown!
In the early days of the festival, only golden and silver clowns were awarded.
In 2002, the scale and quality of the acts led to the creation of the bronze clown.
Finally, in 2012, the tradition was maintained (once again) as H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie and her eldest daughter Pauline Ducruet created New Generation, a festival specifically aimed at young artists. Pauline became President of the International Jury.
The circus family comes together in a unique atmosphere where magic is mixed with joy and laughter, emotion, dignity, and respect for authenticity. Year after year, the Festival and everyone involved continue to inspire and entertain young and old alike.
Long live the Circus!
©montecarlofestival
For details of the event in the Agenda, click HERE.