The 38th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo returns to the Principality this coming January with another impressive programme.
The Principality of Monaco never fails to amaze. It’s the world’s second smallest country, yet it somehow manages to pack an enviable number of sporting events into its comparatively tiny borders.
For starters there is the Grand Prix which monopolises the roads around the towering properties in Monaco during the last weekend in May, whilst the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is equally as popular with tennis fans the month before. Meanwhile, for horse lovers there is the Jumping Internationale de Monte-Carlo, which is played out every year on Quai Albert 1er.
However the next sporting event on the Monaco calendar is the Monte-Carlo Circus International Competition, otherwise known as the Olympics of Trapeze Art. This unique event, taking place in the Big Top in Fontvieille between 16th to 26th January, features some of the world’s top circus performers in a nail biting competition, which culminates in a grandiose gala evening attended by H.S.H the Prince of Monaco.
During the extravaganza, the three acts which have made the biggest impression on the panel of judges are awarded gold, silver and bronze awards for their performances.
The competition was founded in 1974 by Prince Rainier III. It has since then grown into one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind, attracting the best clowns, animal trainers, tightrope walkers and acrobats in the business.
This year the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival will celebrate its 38th edition, and will include performances from talents across the world including Hans Klok (pictured below), believed to be the fastest magician in the world.
The event will be followed for the third time by a ‘New Generation’ competition testing the skills of young artists at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. More than 15 international acts including acrobats, clowns and animals will compete for the Gold Junior, Silver Junior and Bronze Junior medals throughout the two day competition held over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd February.
For this event, the jury will be made up of talented young circus stars under the presidency of Pauline, daughter of H.S.H Princess Stephanie.
If you would like to know more about this novel event, please visit the official festival website. Tickets for both the International Circus Festival and the New Generation competition are now available to reserve online.
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CONTACT DETAILS
Chapiteau de Fontvieille
7, ave. des Ligures
Monaco MC 98000
Telephone: +377 92 05 26 00
Gillon Hunter is the Account Director at Relevance, the award-winning online marketing agency. This article is in association with La Costa Properties Monaco
Lead image © Monte-Carlo Festivals; Hans Klok photo © Govert de Roos
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