The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is one of the best-known events in the world of circus arts and a traditional highlight of Monaco’s winter calendar.
Each year, the famous Chapiteau de Fontvieille welcomes performers from different circus traditions and disciplines, including acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, clowns and other international artists competing for the Festival’s principal awards.
A festival created by Prince Rainier III
The history of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo began in 1974. It was founded by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who had a lifelong passion for the circus.
His aim was to support traditional circus, circus families and performers while creating an international platform where outstanding artists could present their work.
The first Festival already featured the presentation of the Gold Clown — Clown d’Or, which went on to become one of the most prestigious awards in the international circus world.
Princess Stéphanie continues the tradition
Following the death of Prince Rainier III, the family tradition was continued by his daughter. In 2005, Princess Stéphanie became President of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
She plays an active role in developing the programme, selecting performers and preserving the traditional spirit of the event.
In 2012, Princess Stéphanie and her daughter Pauline Ducruet also created New Generation, an international competition dedicated to young circus artists.
The Gold Clown — the Festival’s highest distinction
Competition is one of the defining features of the Festival. An international jury evaluates the acts and awards Gold, Silver and Bronze Clowns.
Over the decades, these distinctions have been awarded to artists and circus companies from dozens of countries.
For professional circus performers, the Gold Clown has particular significance and is regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in the discipline.
Why the 45th Festival was held only in 2023
The landmark 45th edition was originally expected to take place earlier, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the Festival calendar.
The event could not take place in 2021, while the 45th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival scheduled for January 2022 was also cancelled because of the health situation.
As a result, the long-awaited 45th edition finally took place from 20 to 29 January 2023 at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille.
The 45th Festival and New Generation
In 2023, the organisers brought together the 45th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival and the 10th New Generation competition in a special combined programme.
Established international circus performers and representatives of a new generation shared the same ring.
The international jury, chaired by Princess Stéphanie, selected the winners of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Clowns, while younger performers competed for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Junior awards.
A highlight of Monaco’s winter season
Traditionally held in January, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival occupies a distinctive place in the Principality’s winter events calendar.
For visitors, it provides an opportunity to combine one of the world’s major circus events with a winter stay in Monaco and on the French Riviera.
Dates, programmes, performers and ticket arrangements vary from year to year, so the latest details should always be checked before planning a visit.
The current programme and ticket information are available on the official Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival website.
