When is International Circus Day celebrated? But the creators and founders of the Russian National Circus are the Nikitin brothers
The third Saturday in April annually takes over world holiday, International Circus Day. The history of the celebration includes European Circus Day, founded in 2008. Two years later, the date received international status and since 2010, specialists involved in the production of positive mood have their own professional holiday.
The obvious similarity of the words compass, circus, circulation is dictated by the same Latin root, circus, literally translated as “circle”. Indeed, in terms of shape, circus buildings evoke round associations. Although the very first arenas were not strictly circles in plan, they were elongated, closer to oval, because they had a slightly different purpose than now. Back then, when these buildings were called circuses, they were used as hippodromes, stands for gladiatorial competitions or baiting of animals.
In the Middle Ages, the spectacles presented to the people in circuses were supplanted by theaters. Round buildings fell into disrepair, were neglected, abandoned and broken down, ceasing to serve an entertainment function. After all, it was impossible to adapt them for any other activity, the premises for theatrical performances and the mysteries suggested a completely different structure, markets did not take root here, and these buildings were also not suitable for housing.
Only at the end of the 18th century, around 1777 (according to other sources, 1768), the English rider Philip Astley came up with the idea of making money from the art of horse riding. Being a balancing jockey, he was fond of vaulting (acrobatics in equestrian sports) and decided to popularize this spectacle. He opened a school and built an entertainment venue for viewing. Very quickly Astley realized that the track along which the horses were galloping must be closed.
Empirically, the optimal diameter of the arena obtained inside this circle was determined. It depended on the average dimensions of the horses and their speed of movement. This achieved certain angle tilt required for acrobatic equestrian performances. Since the average performance of circus animals and their speed characteristics are the same all over the world, the radius of the circus arena calculated in this way is used everywhere.
A little later, jugglers, mimes, trainers, clowns and aerialists. This was done later by another family, the Italians Franconi. It is in this form that classical circus art has come down to us. Nevertheless, Philip Astley is still considered the father of the modern revived circus.
Now circus art is international and it has its own headquarters. It is located in the Principality of Monaco, in the Monte Carlo region. The patronage of the World Circus Federation is carried out by the royal family of this dwarf state.
On International Circus Day, it is customary to organize the most spectacular programs consisting of the most successful acts, conduct master classes and interactive shows in which everyone can feel involved in the empire of good mood, positive spirit and celebration.
The third Saturday in April is a holiday for those who have anything to do with the circus. Trainers and their charges, clowns and mimes, acrobats and tightrope walkers, and just those who love this unusual look art, celebrate International Circus Day. The holiday has international status, which means that it is celebrated all over the world.
history of the holiday
International Circus Day is a very young holiday. Its history dates back to the first years of the 21st century. In 2002, the European Circus Association was established, which declared its mission to protect cultural heritage Europe and the recognition of the circus as special type art. One of its main achievements is the creation of European Circus Day in 2008. It was celebrated on April 19, the third Saturday of the month. This holiday was supposed to unite everyone circus performers and pay tribute to their achievements. One more task memorable date– to instill a love for this type of art not only in children, but also in adults.
The same 2008 became the year of the creation of the World Circus Federation. Its headquarters are located in the European state of Monte Carlo. The federation sees its goal as the development of both classical circus art, so does him innovative forms. According to the founders of the organization, this combination should take the circus to a new level and attract more spectators.
In 2010, the World Federation came to the conclusion that Circus Day should become larger and go beyond Europe. In the first International holiday More than 25 countries participated. The Russian circus community could not stand aside and supported the celebration. From then on, it began to be celebrated on international level. They decided not to break the tradition, so the date of the celebration was left the same as that chosen by the European Association.
Perhaps one of the most vivid memories of every person from childhood is going to the circus. Aerial acrobats, dancing animals, as well as clumsy and extremely funny clowns allow you to forget about the real gray world and be transported to a world of colors, smiles and eternal fun. However, the work of circus performers is very difficult, and often involves significant risk to life. Therefore, the world annually celebrates International Circus Day on the third Saturday of April.
The history of the holiday
The idea to establish World Circus Day belongs to several well-known companies– European Circus Association, International Federation circus So, in 2010, this wonderful professional holiday of circus artists appeared. The date chosen to celebrate such an event was the date of European Circus Day, introduced in 2008. Thus, the date of the celebration of Circus Day in Europe passed to a new holiday, which was insisted on by many countries of the world, including Russia.
The purpose of founding such a holiday is to attract public attention to the importance of the development of circus art. This is really extremely important, since circus art is one of the most ancient, and the main task of any circus is to give the audience maximum quantity pleasure, joy and surprise. It turns out that all circuses work only for the smiles and entertainment of spectators, improving their mood. Therefore, Circus Day is aimed at supporting a circus that can move spectators to Magic world, full of colors, unusual animals and funny clowns, preserving such an ancient and useful art.
On the third Sunday of this month, everyone can join in the celebration International Day circus At this time, many circuses give traveling performances, and masters of circus art conduct unique master classes for spectators, allowing everyone to try themselves as acrobats, jugglers or tightrope walkers. At Circus Day celebrations ordinary people have the opportunity to enter the circus arena and feel like actors, clowns and even trainers, and therefore appreciate the incredible skill and titanic work of such specialists.
Many people don't even realize that the circus has its headquarters located in the mini-kingdom of Monte Carlo. The famous patron of the circus is the Princess of Monaco. She personally monitors the work of the Circus Federation and the development similar art. At the same time, such a crowned lady is one of the initiators of the creation of such a Federation, which is engaged in popularizing the activities of the circus, as well as attracting public attention to the problems of the circus.
In Russia, many measures are also being taken to support the circus art. There is even a specialized State circus company Russia, engaged in supporting the Russian circus, as well as attracting public attention to the main problems of this area. Similar main company Russia, dealing with the problems and development of the circus, is an association of the largest circuses in the country. It provides for the presentation of an unusual prize to people who have achieved great success in circus activities. The prize is a specific figurine of a laughing harlequin clown holding on to a circus ball with one hand.
How did the circus appear?
The first circuses are considered to be funny performances in ancient Hellas dedicated to the glorification of pagan deities. Such festivities were attended by costumed actors, who are the prototype of modern clowns. In the Roman Empire, even more attention was paid to the circus, because there were many full-fledged circuses, where artists regularly delighted the audience with complex and interesting acts. One of the main circus arenas in Rome is the legendary Colosseum, which is the most popular ancient Roman building that has survived many eras. It is noteworthy that in Russia circus art also developed rapidly, which is confirmed by buffoonery performances, as well as fun fairs where various actors and masters who tamed wild animals performed. Moreover, even the harsh Middle Ages, which was the era of the birth of the first cultural entities, is also distinguished by the presence of circus performances. At that time, merry games and feasts were organized, the entertainment of which was jesters and trainers, acrobats and dancers.
The first professional circus, featuring performances by trainers of predatory animals, aerial acrobats, tightrope walkers and skilled jugglers, appeared only several centuries later in Europe. However, such a circus was not held in pavilions, but simply on the street or in pre-prepared places. If we talk about the first circus under a dome with a round arena, it arose only in London (18th century). Since then, circus art has been constantly improved, and the fame and popularity of the circus has grown rapidly. With the advent of the Internet, as well as films with spectacular special effects, the popularity of the circus has decreased significantly. But there are many people who respect the genuine performance of real artists who know how to bring smiles, give joy and instill in children a belief in real miracles.
Along with the development of human civilization, entertainment art has progressed and changed. Over time, it managed to become an integral part of people's lives. Therefore, it is not surprising that over the years humanity has come up with more and more new types of art for entertaining people. The circus is rightfully considered one of the most significant, valuable and spectacular types of entertainment art. In many ways, it was circus performances, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the funny and eccentric, that had a huge influence on the development of modern entertainment art.
Now, like many other types of entertainment art, the circus has undergone significant changes. Nowadays, circus performances have become larger, more interesting and unusual than they were before. And this is understandable, because it is much more difficult to surprise a modern viewer. Therefore, in modern circus performances, in addition to the classic performances of clowns and acrobats, there are magic tricks, balancing act and trained animals.
A feature of all modern circus troupes is that they cannot all constantly perform in the same city, since the program of performances changes quite rarely. Residents of the same city are not interested in watching the same program, then circus troupes have to move from place to place. That is, at this point they are no different from a traveling circus.
Today, the programs of all circus troupes differ from each other. These differences can be both dramatic and insignificant. The level of performances demonstrated by certain troupes also differs. Therefore, only a few circus troupes become truly famous throughout the world. Perhaps the most popular circus group today is Cirque du Soleil. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the world want to attend their performances. However, not only this Canadian circus has interesting program, but many other troupes around the world also have interesting and original acts in their stock. It is therefore not surprising that circus, which is one of the most spectacular forms of art, is so popular throughout the world. Looking at such popularity, it becomes clear why International Circus Day was established.
history of the holiday
Like many other forms of art, circus has its origins in Ancient Rome. However, in fairness, it is worth noting that although the ancient Roman circus was very popular, it is completely different from modern performances.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the circus did not disappear anywhere. For example, several circuses were built in Paris, in which Parisians were shown certain performances. But all of them were not of interest, since people preferred the theater. Therefore, the circuses were broken down and abandoned.
However, already at the end of the eighteenth century, everyone in the same Paris began to revive interest in circus performances. They began to build new large arenas where unusual performances were shown. These new programs attracted viewers. Therefore, from Paris the circus began to spread to Italy and England, and then to others. European countries. At the same time, the circus came to Russia, where the people fell in love with it.
As you can see, at the circus rich story, which provided big influence on modern culture. Therefore, this type of entertainment art deserves its own holiday, just like theater.
The first International Circus Day took place in 2010, when the European Circus Association, based in Monte Carlo, and the International Circus Federation proposed establishing this holiday. They explained their proposal by the fact that people began to lose interest in such an amazing art form as the circus. In addition, with the help of such a holiday, these two organizations decided to introduce viewers to behind the scenes life circus troupes and rehearsals. They also wanted to draw people's attention to the fact that the circus had a great influence on the development of modern culture.
Initially, only 25 countries supported the idea of the holiday. Russia was no exception, circus school which is one of the best in the world. Already on next year 39 countries already took part in the celebration. As part of the celebration of the second International Circus Day, more than a hundred thematic events took place. More than 150 circus troupes performed at these events. In addition to young groups, real leaders of the industry, for example, the Soleil and Medrano circuses, joined the celebration.
In 2012, the number of countries celebrating this holiday increased to 46 states. That is, every year International Circus Day attracts more and more popularity.
The date of celebration (the third Saturday of April) was not chosen by chance, since it was on this day in 2008 that the European Circus Day took place, which pursued approximately the same goals.
How to celebrate and celebrate International Circus Day
Despite the fact that this professional and cultural holiday was established relatively recently, it managed to acquire certain traditions and customs. So, on this day, circus troupes prepare special festive performances. Some circuses organize open days on this holiday, the purpose of which is to attract attention to the industry. In addition, some arenas host charity performances by circus troupes. On the same day, all over the world great amount street circus performances and carnivals. That is, this holiday is truly fun and joyful.
Today April 16 and every year, on the third Saturday of the month, all circus performers and circus lovers celebrate one of the most fun holidays - International Circus Day.
The Circus Association has created a new holiday
website / Day in history. Purpose of this holiday not only to show the circus as it really is, but also to preserve the memory of all those who devoted their lives to this wonderful branch of culture. Circus lovers live all over the planet, their ages range from young to old, because circus is for everyone.
The creation of this holiday was inspired by the speech of the European circus association (European Circus Association) and the World Circus Federation (Federation Mondiale Du Cirque) in 2009, which operate under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco. It was then that Princess Stephanie and the President of the European Circus Association, which numbers 21 circuses, told all circuses about the initiative to create an annual holiday - International Circus Day, which was celebrated for the first time in 2010 and thus became a holiday that is celebrated every year in all countries.
The initiator of the holiday in 2008 was the headquarters of the World Circus Federation, which is located in Monte Carlo. Since the first European Circus Day was held on April 19, 2008, it was therefore proposed to celebrate Circus Day on the third Saturday of the month.
Many countries celebrate national circus days. For several years in Russia there have been debates about the establishment Russian day circus, since there is no specific day in Russia. On the day of the celebration of the first International Circus Day, it was celebrated by more than 25 countries, together with Russia.
Despite the fact that the circus is one of the ancient forms of art and mentions of riders, jugglers, equestrians, and acrobats date back to the times Ancient world, in the form in which we can observe circus art now, it appeared only in late XVIII century. The unofficial founder of the circus is considered to be the rider Philip Astley, who conducted various experiments and found that the diameter of the circle in which it is convenient for horses to perform various tricks while galloping is a circle of 13 meters. These recommendations are still used today in almost all circus arenas in the world.
Since Astley was an excellent horseman, he performed his tricks while on a horse. Later, in the arena, clowns, trainers, tightrope walkers and acrobats began to join him. TO mid-19th centuries, circus genres expanded. For example, when the safety net appeared, the tricks associated with it were quite complicated.
The emergence of the circus in Europe
In Europe, the circus, in its current form, appeared much earlier than in Russia. The oldest circus is considered to be Gaetano Ciniselli's circus, located in St. Petersburg, which still operates today. Famous Nikitin brothers, were the founders of the Russian circus, since the first gave circus show called “Russian Circus of the Nikitin Brothers”, in the city of Penza, Saratov region. Later, they opened many circuses throughout Russia.
Circus in the modern sense is acrobatics, illusionism, clowning, pantomime, musical eccentricity, sideshow and many other genres. One of the most famous circuses in the world is the Canadian “Cirque of the Sun (Cirque du Soleil), or the Chinese acrobatic circus.” Paradise show from the Celestial Empire." In America there is the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, which is known for modernizing the circus business; there is also the famous French Fratellini Circus, in which the main role is played by clowns.
Russian circus
In Russia, the most famous circus is considered to be the Bolshoi Moscow Circus. state circus, which is located on Vernadsky Avenue, is the largest circus station in the world. Over the entire period of its existence, it has released more than 100 different programs, in which the most best artists foreign, and of course, our circus. Names associated with the circus are known throughout the world, such as Vitaly Lazarenko, Oleg Popov, Yuri Nikulin, Mikhail Shuidin, Anatoly and Vladimir Durov, Williams Truzzi and Valentina Filatova, who created the “Bear Circus”.
Many circus teams make up entire dynasties. Such names as Kio, Zapashny, Tuganov, Doveiko, Durov, Kantemirov, Volzhansky were included in the golden fund of the Russian circus. Many films have been made about this art form, thousands of books have been written, and a lot of festivals have been created. The oldest festival takes place in Monte Carlo, where awards similar to the Oscars are awarded.
On International Circus Day, many circuses open their doors to everyone. Circuses are making free shows of masters obsolete, holding various exhibitions, carnivals and programs. International Circus Day is important event for all those who love the circus in all its forms.
