Monte-Carlo crowns the stars of world circus: a triumph of talent and magic under the Grand Chapiteau

Monte-Carlo experienced an evening of extraordinary elegance and spectacle during the Grand Soirée celebrating the winners of the 48th International Circus Festival and the 13th New Generation Festival. Beneath the Festival’s iconic big top, elegant attire, shared glances and a palpable sense of excitement set the scene for a Gala evening honouring the finest artists on the international circus stage.

The Gala Night brought together the most acclaimed performers from both festivals, whose acts presented over the previous evenings captivated not only the jury but also the audience. Over a total of ten days, with performances running in rotation until 25 January, Monaco once again confirmed itself as a privileged stage for the magic of circus arts. A historic event, the Festival continues to gather the world’s greatest talents year after year. The award ceremony, held under the presidency of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, once again highlighted artists who stood out for their creativity, technical excellence and emotional power.

The Festival’s highest honour, the prestigious Clown d’Or, was awarded to the Flying Fuentes Gasca, Angelina Richter, and the Troupe de Suining, the latter also receiving the Junior d’Or. The Clown d’Argent went to the Troupe Kolfe, Ilya & Regina with Zara, the Troupe Dalian, the Troupe Navas, and the duo Ambra & Ives. The Clown de Bronze honoured the Angels of Mongolian Contortion, the Troupe Nomuna, Hakuna Matata, the Hermanos Reyes, and Joao Godinho. In the youth category, the Junior d’Argent was awarded to Stefan Dvorak, while the Junior de Bronze went to the Duo Peperoni and Soery Dell’Acqua.

Audience enthusiasm was also strongly felt, with the Public Prize awarded to Ilya & Regina with Zara at the International Festival and to the Duo Peperoni at New Generation. Numerous special prizes were presented, including the Trophée Louis Merlin to the Duo Migranti, the Mairie de Monaco Prize to the Troupe Nomuna and Soery Dell’Acqua, and the Pauline Ducruet Special Prize for Best Costume to Tonito Alexis. A particularly meaningful distinction, the Coupe in memory of Princess Antoinette, awarded to the youngest artist of the Festival, was presented to Zara.

Among the many award recipients were also the Troupe Ordonez, Martyn Chabry, Lucky Hell, Florian Richter, Ambra & Ives (also winners of the Moira Orfei Prize), the Hermanos Reyes, the Duo Gemini, Joao Godinho, and the Richter Family, reflecting the remarkable diversity and quality of circus disciplines showcased. This year also saw the introduction of a new distinction, the Newly Founded Appreciation Award, presented to Tamás Lajos Szalay, strategic creative consultant for the BigTopLabel project.

Once again, the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo and the New Generation Festival reaffirmed the Principality’s central role as the world capital of circus arts. Under the guidance of Princess Stéphanie, artists from all over the world successfully blended tradition and innovation, offering unforgettable performances and continuing to inspire audiences across generations.

Photo copyright: Frédéric Nebinger – Manuel Vitali – Stéphane Danna