Festival International du Cirque

Competition in the limelight

Monaco’s famous big top, the Chapiteau de Fontvieille, is preparing to host a truly unique circus show featuring the world’s greatest performers. Every year, a host of talented jugglers, magicians, clowns, balancing acts, and animals come to the Principality for ten days of thrilling spectacle, aiming to win the ultimate accolade in the world of the circus arts: the Gold Clown!

Until 2002, the Festival only awarded Gold and Silver Clowns,   but the number and quality of the acts performing eventually saw the creation of a third prize, the Bronze Clown.

The circus, a passion passed down through the generations 

In 1974, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, a huge fan of the circus, founded the Festival to promote the traditional circus arts and support circus 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, attracting crowds 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.

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!

For more information and to book tickets, visit the official Monte-Carlo Festival website.