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The 48th edition of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo will light up the Principality from 16 to 25 January 2026, once again transforming the Espace Fontvieille into a global stage for the finest circus arts. Alongside the main festival, the 13th New Generation competition will spotlight the rising stars of the circus world, reaffirming Monaco’s unique role in preserving and reinventing this spectacular art form.
As tradition dictates, the programme brings together performers from across several continents, offering a rich and varied journey through circus disciplines. From equestrian artistry and flying trapeze to hand-to-hand acrobatics, teeterboard jumps, contortion, and juggling, the diversity of acts promises an immersive experience under the big top.
Among the highlights, the Richter family will open the festival with an impressive equestrian performance, featuring the highly demanding Post technique. Latvian artist Andrejs Fjodorovs will surprise audiences with an original act orchestrating trained pigeons, while the Dalian Chinese Acrobatic Troupe revives the ancient “water meteors,” a discipline dating back to the 3rd century BC. High-adrenaline moments will also come from the Mexican troupe led by Juan Cebolla, alongside comic interludes by Italian clown Davide Vassallo and the Toni Alexis family. Master of Ceremonies Petit Gougou, accompanied by the Bingo troupe, will guide spectators through the performances.
A key pillar of the event, New Generation, founded in 2012 by Princess Stéphanie and Pauline Ducruet, remains the only international circus competition dedicated exclusively to young talents. Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Junior awards will later perform alongside seasoned artists in the main festival.
Tickets are available at the Fontvieille big top box office, online, and by phone. A gala evening with the awards ceremony will take place on 20 January, while the festivities will also include the Fight Aids Cup charity football match on 24 January at Stade Louis II.