Every January, Monaco hosts the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo featuring the best circus acts in the world – covering a multitude of performances over ten day period. The acts are judged by a panel of journalists, specialists and circus professionals. The first few days is an actual competition culminating in the prize giving at a Gala evening. Awards also include the internationally prestigious Golden Clown Award, which is given to the four top acts.
The following days, the ‘Winner’s Show” runs several performances to marvel locals and visitors of all ages. See spectacular animal acts, the best magicians, incredible acrobats, daring feats and so much more – and every year it is a different line-up of traditional and contemporary circus entertainment from the top performers around the globe.
Created in 1974 by H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo has become the largest and most prestigious circus event in the world. It awards the most respected prize in the world of the circus, namely the «Golden Clown» (Clown d’Or) award.
Take a peek at what you could see at the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival:
President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco
Having served on her first jury when she was just nine years old at the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo created by Prince Rainier III, it was natural that H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco would one day devote her time to preserving the circus tradition for future generations.
Today H.S.H. Princess Stephanie is the President of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, overseeing the entire operation from the selection of acts to the choreography, costuming, music and lighting that bring together the competition and gala shows so beautifully. She is actively involved in planning the circus-themed events that occur during the Festival and does not miss a rehearsal. Often joined by H.S.H. Prince Albert and her children, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie enjoys each and every performance, which is the culmination of the previous year’s work.
Following in her father’s footsteps, the Princess ensures that each Festival features classical circus acts that represent the best of the best in captivating clownery, the presentation of awe-inspiring animals, and gravity-defying acrobatics. Each year, these crowd-pleasing traditional acts are combined with innovative new creations that take the circus art-form to new and unexpected heights.
Continuing her active role for the benefit of circus arts and culture, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie has supported the formation of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque under her patronage and serves as its Honorary President.
The Greatest Time to Visist Monaco
– Other circus events take place during the festival, including an annual competition for the best circus themed shop window display,
– Around the end of the Circus Festival you can find yourself celebrating one of Monaco’s biggest holidays on January 27th. St Devote or Devota is the patron saint of Monaco and a very dear figure to the Monegasque people throughout the history of the country.
– In a further spirit to keep the circus arts alive, «New Generation» is the Circus competition for young Artists and is held just around the same time. Clowns, acrobats, tightrope walkers, magicians and animals will perform their acts at the Festival before an International Jury presided by Pauline, the eldest daughter of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie.
– For animal lovers, you can also visit the once private zoo of Prince Rainier at the foot of the Palace. (this is were Grace Kelly had her first “date” with Prince Rainier after they met at the Palace)
