The history of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
Publié par Paolo Petrini
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival (also known as the Cirque de Monte-Carlo) is an annual circus arts event in Monaco, usually at the end of January. Founded in 1974 on the initiative of Prince Rainier III, the festival brings together the best circus artists from all over the world under the famous Fontvieille big top in a unique epic competition. During the event, acrobats, clowns, tightrope walkers, illusionists and animal trainers offer breathtaking performances in front of an international jury, competing for the prestigious gold, silver and bronze clowns – considered the "Olympic medals" of the circus. In its nearly fifty-year history, the Monte-Carlo Festival has established itself as one of the most important and prestigious circus events in the world, attracting thousands of spectators to the marquee and millions of television viewers thanks to international television broadcasts. Like the Monaco Grand Prix, this event also contributes to strengthening the international image of the Principality of Monaco.
Origin of the festival: Rainier III's dream
The idea for the Festival was born from Prince Rainier III of Monaco's passion for the circus. In the 70s, the traditional circus was going through a difficult period, and Ranieri – a great lover of circus art – wanted to create an event of international resonance to support circus families and give a new lease of life to this art form. of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, under the High Patronage of the Prince. From the outset, the formula was clear: to bring a selection of the best circus acts in the world to the Principality and reward them in front of the public and specialist critics. Prince Rainier was an active participant in the event – it was he who himself presented the first golden clown in history to the legendary Spanish clown Charlie Rivel in 1974. Thanks to Rainier III's vision, Monaco began to be recognised as an international circus capital, combining its reputation as a global destination with a place where circus arts are celebrated at the highest level.
In the following years, the Monte-Carlo Festival gained notoriety and participation. At first, the event took place in December, but in 1975 the large fixed tent in Fontvieille was inaugurated, which became the permanent location for performances. Since 1976, the festival has almost always been held in January, thus inaugurating a winter tradition for the Principality. The success of the first editions confirmed the validity of Ranieri's project: artists from all continents considered it an honour to be invited to Monte-Carlo and compete for the coveted Golden Clown, and the Monegasque and international public responded enthusiastically, crowding the stands of the big top at each show.
A world-renowned festival steeped in tradition
Over time, the Monte-Carlo Festival has become synonymous with circus excellence on a global scale. Today, it is recognized as the largest and most prestigious traditional circus festival in the world, often compared in importance to the Circus Olympics. The event attracts not only the local public, but also enthusiasts, experts and international tourists who come to the Principality especially to attend the shows. In addition, thanks to media coverage, the festival's shows are broadcast on television all over the world: in particular, in Italy, they have been a regular fixture on the RAI networks since the first edition in 1974. This global exhibition helped to raise awareness of the festival and introduce the general public to circus stars otherwise known only to insiders.
Tradition dictates that during the final gala evening, in the presence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and the royal family, the Clowns' trophies (Gold, Silver, Bronze) are awarded to the winners of the different categories. These awards – statuettes in the shape of a clown – are considered among the most coveted prizes by a circus artist and, over the decades, have crowned legendary figures: from the aforementioned Charlie Rivel, to the Russian clown Oleg Popov (Golden Clown 1981), from the Italian David Larible (Golden Clown 1999), to contemporary virtuosos such as the American Anthony Gatto (juggler, Gold 2000) or the English tamer Martin Lacey Jr. (Gold 2010 and 2019). In addition to the main prizes, numerous special prizes (Palmarès) offered by circuses, foundations, professional associations and sponsors from all over the world are also awarded at the final gala. This shower of awards underlines the universal vocation of the Festival: to promote all aspects of the circus arts – from clowning to acrobatics and training – by celebrating the best artists in front of a global audience.
Evolution under the leadership of Stéphanie of Monaco
After the death of Prince Rainier III in 2005, the daughter of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie of Monaco took up the torch of the event, assuming the presidency and passionately perpetuating her father's vision. Under Stéphanie's leadership, the Monte-Carlo Festival has undergone a new phase of renewal and modernisation, while keeping its traditional spirit intact. The Princess – who has always been very attached to the world of the circus – has committed to innovating the festival by introducing important innovations: for example, she has more often invited companies and artists from new forms of contemporary circus (such as Cirque du Soleil) to perform in Monte-Carlo, alongside the classical circus. In addition, in 2012, Stéphanie founded Monte-Carlo New Generation, a kind of "festival within the festival" dedicated exclusively to young emerging circus talents. New Generation takes place in parallel with the main festival and sees artists under the age of 20 compete in front of a special jury chaired by Pauline Ducruet (Stéphanie's daughter), with the Junior d'Oro up for grabs, an ideal springboard for future famous artists.
These initiatives have brought a breath of fresh air, attracting the most modern trends to the festival's programming and ensuring a generational change in circus art. Thanks to Stéphanie's commitment, Monaco not only preserves the glorious circus tradition desired by Rainier, but also enriches it by adapting it to its time: proof of this is that the Princess is also honorary president of the World Circus Federation, the international organization that protects and promotes circus arts around the world. Under his leadership, the festival continued to grow in notoriety and artistic quality, establishing itself as an unmissable event for both professionals and the general public.
When and where the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival takes place
The emblematic big top of the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, located in the Fontvieille district of Monaco, where the shows and award ceremonies take place every year.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is held every year, usually in the last fortnight of January, for a duration of about 10 days. The various performances take place in the marquee of the Espace Fontvieille, a large permanent marquee located in the Fontvieille district of Monaco, near the marina and the heliport. It is in this covered structure (which can accommodate several thousand spectators) that the selections alternate – i.e. the selection evenings where all the competing artists perform – and the final evenings where the winners are decreed and rewarded. Typically, the festival includes several shows: each circus act is presented at least twice in the preliminary stages, so that the entire jury can evaluate it, and finally the best enter the final closing gala, in which the official award ceremony takes place in the presence of the Prince and the Monegasque royal family. The atmosphere in Monte Carlo during the days of the festival is lively: the Principality is filled with street artists, enthusiasts and specialized journalists; It is not uncommon for side events such as artists' parades through the streets of the city or circus-themed exhibitions to be held (for example, in 2024, for the 50th anniversary, a large parade and an open-air show enlivened the Prince's Palace Square).
Those who want to attend the live performances can buy tickets directly from the official festival website or during the authorized presales, choosing from different categories of seating in the tent. Evening shows tend to sell out , given the great appeal of the event, so it's advisable to book in advance. In addition, for audiences who cannot travel to Monaco, television offers wide coverage every year: in Italy, for example, RAI regularly broadcasts the Monte-Carlo Festival during the Christmas holidays or at the beginning of January of the following year bringing the timeless magic of the circus arts into the homes of millions of viewers.
The prizes: the Gold, Silver and Bronze Clowns
One of the hallmarks of the Cirque de Monte-Carlo is its iconic awards. Since the first edition in 1974, the Golden Clowns (maximum price) and the Silver Clowns, statuettes representing the face of a clown, have been established for the best artists in competition. Given the high level of the shows presented, since 2002 the organization has also introduced the Bronze Clown as a third prize, in order to reward an additional deserving number each year. The winners are chosen by an international jury composed of experts in the field, circus directors, seasoned artists and specialized journalists: it evaluates performances in all disciplines (clown, juggling, aerial acrobatics, balancing, animal training, etc.) and assigns the Clowns the numbers that represent absolute excellence in each field.
In addition to the three main trophies, as we have mentioned, there is a constellation of special prizes awarded by institutions and sponsors: from the " Critics ' Prize" offered by journalists, to the prize of a famous circus family (such as the Orfei for Italy), right down to the technical awards for the scenography or the costumes. All the prizes awarded in an edition are called Palmarès. Receiving an award in Monte-Carlo – in particular a Golden Clown – can represent the culmination of a career for a circus artist: it is no coincidence that these trophies are often compared to the Golden Lions of cinema (Venice Film Festival) or the Oscars, but in the field of the circus. Their importance is such that, in some cases, a winning act in Monte-Carlo is subsequently requested by the most prestigious circuses in the world or engaged in high-level shows. For the artist, moreover, the honour of performing at the final gala in the presence of the Prince and receiving the Clown on stage is an unforgettable emotion and a sign of international consecration.
Memorable editions and historical curiosities
In nearly half a century of existence, the Monte-Carlo Festival has collected many memorable moments and curious anecdotes. For example, some editions have seen exceptional feats achieved: in 1990, Mexican trapeze artist Miguel Vazquez amazed audiences by performing the legendary flying trapeze quadruple somersault for the first time in Europe, a number never before executed on the continent; Well, this feat was only repeated in 2025 by a trio of young acrobats at the 47th edition, testifying to the continuous advancement of limits in the circus world. Many of the acts performed in Monte Carlo rightly go down in circus history: from elephant and big cat shows (a traditional highlight of the classical circus, although more controversial today) to the astonishing human pyramids of Chinese acrobatic troupes, right down to the poetic performances of solo clowns that made generations of spectators laugh and cry. We remember, among others, the Knights of Turkmenistan with their elegant golden horses, who in 2025 won a Golden Clown for extraordinary equestrian evolutions, or the friendly Chilean family Pastelito (Father and Son Clown) who in the same year won the Silver Clown with an exhilarating performance full of Music on the track. In short, each edition gives its share of emotions and often introduces absolute novelties on the circus stage.
In the long history of the festival, there are also some forced breaks. In total, the Monte-Carlo Festival has been cancelled five times since its creation to date. Below are the only editions not made:
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1982 – Cancelled as a sign of mourning for the tragic death of Princess Grace Kelly, wife of Rainier III.
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1986 – Cancelled due to a violent storm that seriously damaged the Fontvieille marquee a few days before the event. The edition was postponed to January 1987; From that year on, it was decided to move the festival permanently to January (whereas until 1985 it was held in December).
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1991 – Cancelled both for the mourning due to the death of Stefano Casiraghi (husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco) and for the tense international climate of the outbreak of the Gulf War, deemed unsuitable for celebrations.
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2021 and 2022 – Cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which imposed restrictions such that it is impossible to safely hold an international travelling show. After this double interruption, the festival returned to the stage in 2023, more anticipated than ever.
Of note is the 40th edition in 2016, celebrated with a special show that brought together in Monte-Carlo many artists who have been awarded the Golden Clown in previous decades, in a kind of " festival of champions " to celebrate the milestone of the forty years. The 46th edition in 2024 was even more extraordinary: it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the festival (1974-2024) and the centenary of the birth of Rainier III (1923-2023). For the occasion, the Principality paid tribute to its visionary prince by organising commemorative events such as a thematic exhibition entitled "The Prince at the heart of the circus" and an open-air circus parade, while a festival with great pomp was held under the marquee, charged with emotion and historical memory. These achievements underline the extent to which the Circus Festival has become an integral part of the modern Monegasque identity.
A heritage for Monaco and the world circus
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is not just a show, it is an important part of Monaco's cultural heritage. Thanks to the will of Rainier III and the continuous commitment of the Grimaldi family, the Principality of Monaco is today universally associated with the excellence of circus art. Every January, Monaco is transformed into a showcase for circus creativity, talent and tradition, establishing itself as a privileged meeting place between the great dynasties of the world circus (from Casartelli to Orfei, from Knie to Zhang) and the new emerging generations. This generational and cultural exchange enriches the Principality, attracting thousands of visitors and professionals to the small state during the low winter season, with benefits also for local tourism.
The link between Monaco and the circus is sealed by the constant presence of the sovereigns during festival evenings: the glance of the Boîte d'honneur with the princely family enthusiastically applauding the artists on the dance floor is famous. Princess Stephanie, in particular, has inextricably linked her name to this event, dedicating energy to it and also gaining recognition from the international circus community (just think that Monte-Carlo also hosts the aforementioned World Circus Federation summit every year). Ultimately, the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival has over the years become a symbol of artistic excellence and patronage: an example of how Monaco, despite being famous for its luxury and sporting events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, has also carved out a leading role in the promotion of the performing arts. It is a heritage of circus experiences, emotions and knowledge that is renewed every year, helping to keep the magic of the traditional circus alive in the contemporary world.
Article written by Paolo Petrini, Monegasque real estate expert.
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