International Circus. There are thousands of circuses in the world

When is this holiday held? International Circus Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of April. In 2019, the celebration date falls on April 20.

National Circus Days exist in many countries around the world. In the USA, for example, a similar holiday is celebrated on April 3.

How is World Circus Day celebrated?

How is the celebration going? The program of events includes exhibitions, carnivals, street events, and many circuses host Open Days.

History and traditions of International Circus Day

In 2008, European Circus Day was celebrated for the first time. It was decided to continue this tradition by establishing an international holiday.

World Circus Day was established in 2009 on the initiative of two organizations - the European circus association and the World Circus Federation, operating under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

International Circus Day was first celebrated in 2010; this holiday quickly became popular.

On Circus Day, we remember the history of its development in different countries. Circus performances are considered one of the oldest species art. Circuses existed in Ancient Rome, China and other countries.

It is known that the Romans used the word “circus” (circus, “circle”, “round building”) to describe an open structure in the form of an elongated oval, reminiscent of a modern hippodrome. Horse racing, chariot racing, gladiator combat and other performances were held here. In the Middle Ages, circus art was almost forgotten.

And in modern form the circus appeared in late XVIII century. Its creators were two English riders, Astley's father and son. The performances they gave included horseback riding and acrobatic routines.

At the end XIX century V different circuses Performances with trained animals became popular around the world. By the beginning of the 20th century, permanent circuses operated in almost all capitals and large cities Western Europe and Russia.

Currently, the most popular types of circus arts are clownery,

acrobatics, balancing act, pantomime, sideshow, musical eccentricity, illusionism, etc. The most famous include the Chinese acrobatic circus “Paradise Show from the Celestial Empire”, the Canadian “Cirque of the Sun” (Cirque du Soleil), “Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus” (USA) and others.

Russian circus art also gained fame. One of the oldest circuses in Russia, the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, was founded in 1880. And the largest stationary circus in the world is the Bolshoi Moscow state circus on Vernadsky Avenue.

Our country is also famous for its circus dynasties, including the Durovs, Zapashnys, Kios, Filatovs, Kantemirovs, Bagdasarovs and others.

On International Circus Day, we congratulate all the people who devoted themselves to this art and everyone who loves the circus.

Every year on the third Saturday the entire world circus community and fans of it amazing art celebrate an unusually cheerful holiday - World Circus Day. It was established not only with the purpose of showing the circus in all its splendor and delighting fans of this art new programs and performances, but also aims to pay tribute to the contribution of circus art to culture. After all, not only children, but also adults love the circus, and different corners planets.

The initiators of the establishment of this holiday were the European Circus Association and the World Circus Federation (Federation Mondiale Du Cirque), operating under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Then the President of the European Circus Association, which currently includes 21 circuses, Urs Pils and Princess Stephanie invited all circuses to support the initiative of the annual celebration of International Circus Day, which was first celebrated in 2010 and has since become an annual event for many countries.

By the way, the World Circus Federation (Federation Mondiale Du Cirque), whose headquarters is located in Monte Carlo, was founded in 2008 with the aim of promoting the development of circus art and culture throughout the world. It was she who initiated the holiday dedicated to the circus - in 2008 (on the third Saturday of April) the European Circus Day was held for the first time, and it was decided to continue this tradition with the establishment of world holiday– International Circus Day. Currently, the issue is being discussed with UNESCO regarding the inclusion of this holiday in the list of annually celebrated dates.

It must be said that there are national Circus Days in many countries. In Russia, ideas about establishing such a holiday have been heard for many years, but so far Russian circus performers have not had their own holiday. But an international day appeared. Thus, more than 25 countries, including Russia, took part in the celebration of the first International Circus Day in 2010.

Although the circus is considered one of the oldest forms of art, since the mention of all kinds of performances acrobats, jugglers, horse riders, clowns... date back to the times Ancient World, but in its modern form the circus appeared only at the end of the 18th century. And its founder is considered to be the English rider Philip Astley, who experimentally found that it is most convenient for horses to run and perform tricks in a full gallop in a circle with a diameter of 13 meters. Today, this arena diameter is observed in almost all circuses in the world.

Being a skilled rider, Astley showed various tricks on horses in the arena, and later other artists entered the arena - acrobats, jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns, trainers... Since the mid-19th century, the number of circus genres has increased and the technical capabilities of performances and acts have expanded. For example, after the introduction of a safety net in the rooms aerial gymnastics it became possible to complicate the tricks.

In Russia, the circus, in its modern sense, appeared much later than in Europe. The oldest circus station is the Gaetano Ciniselli Circus in St. Petersburg, opened in 1877, which is still functioning today. But the creators of Russian national circus considered to be the Nikitin brothers, who, having given the first performance of the “Russian Circus of the Nikitin Brothers” in Penza, subsequently opened a whole network of high-quality circuses in a number of Russian cities.

Modern circus is clowning, acrobatics, balancing act, musical eccentricity, illusionism, pantomime, sideshow and much more. There are thousands of circuses in the world, and a number of them are world famous. For example, one of the most ancient circus troupes in the world is the Chinese acrobatic circus “Paradise Show from the Celestial Empire”, or the Canadian “Circus of the Sun” (Cirque du Soleil), the main advantage of which is that it is not just a separate circus organization, but is a huge circus corporation with offices in several countries around the world. And in the French “Circus Fratellini” the main characters- clowns, and the famous American “Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus” is considered one of the first in the process of modernizing the circus business.

Our domestic circus is no less famous. The Great Moscow State Circus on Vernadsky Avenue is the largest stationary circus in the world. During his activity, he presented more than 100 different programs where he took part best artists Russian and foreign circus. And in the arena of the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, one of the oldest circuses in the country, world-famous artists performed - Anatoly and Vladimir Durov, Vitaly Lazarenko, Williams Truzzi with their horses, acrobats Okeanos, tightrope walkers the Koch sisters, magician Kio, clowns Karandash, Oleg Popov, Yuri Nikulin, Leonid Engibarov, Mikhail Shuidin. Valentin Filatov’s “Bear Circus” was created here...

It should also be noted that there are a lot of dynasties in this profession, continuing the best circus traditions. The Golden Fund of the Russian Circus includes such famous dynasties as: the Durovs, Zapashnys, Kio, Filatovs, Kantemirovs, Tuganovs, Bagdasarovs, Volzhanskys, Doveikos. And the list of ringmasters can be continued for a long time. Many books and films have been written about the circus, many films have been shot, and International circus festivals are dedicated to it, the oldest and most prestigious of which is the Monte Carlo Festival, where its circus Oscars are played.

In honor of today's holiday, many circuses organize open days, various street events, special programs, exhibitions, carnivals, charity events and other events. International Circus Day is a special event for all masters and fans of circus art, such a kind, slightly naive, but sincere and beautiful miracle, whose name is CIRCUS.

Waved conductor's hand,
Music major roars,
And the drum struck again,
And everyone took their places!

On April 17, 2009, the European Circus Association and the World Circus Federation, operating under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco, initiated the annual celebration of International Circus Day.

The date was not chosen by chance - four years ago, on the third Saturday of April, European Circus Day was celebrated for the first time. And now the issue is being discussed with UNESCO regarding the inclusion of International Circus Day in the list of annually celebrated dates.
International Circus Day is a chance to show off and glorify the circus, said Urs Pils. We call on circus owners, circus performers and simply circus fans all over the world to solemnly celebrate International Circus Day so that the whole world remembers this day."

World Circus Day is another reason to laugh and have a good time with family and friends.
The European Circus Association currently includes 21 circuses, including the Ukrainian circus Kobzov, the French Bouglion, the German Krone and Roncalli, the Swiss Knie and others.

A BRIEF EXCURSION INTO HISTORY

Circus is called the youngest and most ancient art form.
Ancient, due to the fact that references to various performances of acrobats, jugglers, horsemen, clowns, tightrope walkers were found during excavations of the Knossos Palace

in drawings found in the tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt

And on the walls of the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, among scenes on biblical themes, you can see an episode of the performance of buffoons at folk games.

In its modern form, the circus appeared at the end of the 18th century, and its founder is considered to be the English rider Philip Astley (in some materials on the history of the circus, his name is correctly called Astley).

It was Astley who experimentally established that it is most convenient for horses to run at full gallop in a circle with a diameter of 13 METERS. This arena diameter is observed today in all circuses in the world. In London, hanging on the building of Waterloo Central Station Memorial plaque, on which it is written: “Here in 1774 there was the first stationary circus, built by Philip Astley.” Initially, Astley showed various tricks on horses in the arena; later, acrobats, jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns and other artists began performing performances for spectators. However, the name “circus” itself was not invented by Astley, but by his competitor John Hughes.
WITH mid-19th century, an increase in the number of circus genres and expansion technical capabilities went at an accelerated pace. And by the beginning of the 20th century, the structure of the circus performance was changing dramatically. In the stationary circus, carpet clowns and clown trainers appear. Tamers move from menageries to the circus.

A huge leap is taking place in the genre of aerial gymnastics: after the introduction of a safety net, it becomes possible to complicate tricks. The very first number “Aerial Flight” was released and shown to the viewer by the French gymnast Leotard.

The circus appeared in Russia much later than in Western Europe.
It is known that performances by Kunsbereitors and riders were given back during the reign of Alexander I. And even earlier, before that, there were also performances by visiting circus troupes.

Later, Tournier built his own stone circus building, which came under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Imperial Theaters.

The oldest circus station is the Gaetano Ciniselli Circus in St. Petersburg on the banks of the Fontanka, which is still successfully used for its intended purpose. Three more old circus buildings have survived to this day (in Riga, Odessa and Kharkov), but they are of course much younger than the Ciniselli Circus

But the creators and founders of the Russian National Circus are the Nikitin brothers.

Their father Alexander Nikitin was a former serf. Wandering around with a barrel organ, he and his sons gave street performances or, as they were then called, “gazing” (from the word “lawn” or “performing on lawns”).
Later, Brothers Dmitry Akim and Peter opened their own business, giving the first performance of the Nikitin Brothers Russian Circus in Penza. And then they opened a whole network of high-quality, equipped last word technology of that time, circuses in Saratov, Samara, Astrakhan, Nizhny Novgorod, Odessa, Kharkov, Voronezh, and finally at the beginning of the twentieth century, a large circus was built on Triumfalnaya Square in Moscow.

THEIR GLORIOUS NAMES

Our domestic circus is famous for its dynasties and is one of the best circuses in the world. Many of the arena masters can be considered the golden fund of our circus. That's far from it full list leading masters and entire dynasties of the Soviet and Russian circus: - Durovs, Zapashnye, Kio, Filatov, Kantemirov, Tuganov, Bagdasarov, Volzhansky, Doveiko. Children of circuses usually become performers. Please note (!) in the circus this is exactly what they call all those who give the audience joy, laughter and the sea positive emotions, - "CIRCUS". But this is something that is familiar to everyone and quite common, quite literary word, as “CIRCUS PERSON” for circuses is almost offensive, abusive.
There are a lot of dynasties in this profession on which the circus rests. It is in the families of artists that future stars of the arena are brought up. It is very important to get used to the specifics of the circus from childhood and master professional skills. Almost every circus genre has its own famous dynasties that have conquered worldwide fame.
The Durovs are one of the most famous dynasties of trainers in Russia. This family became famous back in the 19th century thanks to the cavalry maiden Nadezhda Durova, who served as the prototype for Shurochka from the “Hussar Ballad”. The brothers Anatoly (1865-1916) and Vladimir (1863-1934) Durov are considered the founders of the dynasty. Anatoly was more interested in clownery: animals played a supporting role in his performances. And Vladimir focused specifically on training.

In 1910, Vladimir Durov bought an estate in Moscow on Bozhedomka Street, in which he set up a zoological museum and a zoopsychological laboratory. Two years later, he opened the “Kroshka” theater here, the predecessor of the famous “Durov’s Corner”. Grandfather Durov's Animal Theater still hosts performances with animals.

Kio is the most famous dynasty of illusionists in Russia. It was founded by Emil Teodorovich Girshfeld-Renard (1894-1965).

He abandoned the oriental paraphernalia and the aura of mystery that previously shrouded the profession of an illusionist. His own surname seemed unsuitable for the circus, so he took the pseudonym Kyo. Interesting fact from creative biography founder of the Kio dynasty of illusionists. Emil Teodorovich could not come up with his own stage name. But in those years, having your own pseudonym, although not officially, was a mandatory attribute of many artists. And then one day, driving past one of the Kharkov cinemas, he noticed that the letter “n” had burned out on the glowing neon sign “Cinema”. This is how the new name of this wonderful artist appeared - KIO. Later, the eldest son of Emil Teodorovich, Emil Emilievich, in order to be recognizable not only in the arena, but also in life, specially registered his white Volga in Kiev, then just purchased after a tour of Japan, with the license plate "KIO 0000"

Kyo's father always performed in a tailcoat.
Emil Teodorovich was recognized as the best magician in the world in 1960 in England. In addition, in 1961 he received the gold medal of the International Artistic Lodge.
The successors of the dynasty were the sons of the great artist - Emil and Igor, who also work as illusionists. Igor Kio received International Prize Oscar for Best Artist

One of the few genres of circus art that does not have dynastic traditions is clownery. This is largely due to the fact that each clown creates his own individual art world, radically different from everything created before. Clownery can be defined as the most complex and comprehensive genre of circus art.
Of course, the main representative of domestic clownery is Yuri Nikulin.

For my long life in the arena, Yuri Nikulin created many unique reprises, sketches and pantomimes, of which the most memorable and dear to the artist were “Little Pierre”, Pipo and the millionaire in the circus performances “Carnival in Cuba” and “Peace Pipe”, Barmaley in the New Year children's performance etc. One of the most famous genre scenes is the legendary “Log”.

Mikhail Rumyantsev achieved no less success in clownery. He made his debut at the Moscow Tent Circus as a carpet clown. At first he repeated the features of the image created by Charlie Chaplin. But most of all Rumyantsev is known for his image of Pencil. The artist made his debut in this image in 1934 at the arena of the Leningrad Circus. Pencil's costume and makeup were based on his appearance ordinary person, his contemporary, were only somewhat exaggerated. An ordinary black suit, but baggy; regular boots, but several sizes larger; almost an ordinary hat, but with a pointed crown.
One of the main colors of his creative palette was satire. The satirical direction of work began during the Great Patriotic War, when Karandash created a series of issues denouncing the leaders of Nazi Germany. After the end of the war, topical satirical reprises also remained in his repertoire.
Pencil became the first Soviet clown, whose popularity spread far beyond the country's borders. He was known and loved in Finland, France, East Germany, Italy, England, Brazil, Uruguay and other countries. Today the name of Mikhail Rumyantsev is in Moscow public school circus and pop art.
And a whole constellation of wonderful names of ringmasters who wrote their unique acts and attractions in golden letters into the History of Circus Art. Predator TamersTo Gare, Gunter Williams and the first female tamer Hero of Socialist Labor, People's Artist USSR Irina Bugrimova, Zavatta Clowns, Akram Yusupov, Leonid Engibarov, Oleg Popov, Rostelli brothers, Jugglers Chris Cremo, Sergei Ignatov, Alexander Kiss, unique tightrope walker Lev Osinsky, tightrope walkers the Koch sisters.

This list can be listed for a long time, the kaleidoscope of acts and genres is so diverse, where the highest skill of circus performers of domestic and foreign circuses is demonstrated

FAMOUS CIRCUSES OF THE WORLD

There are thousands of circuses around the world. One of the most famous among them is the Chinese acrobatic circus “Paradise Show from the Middle Kingdom”.

This is one of the oldest circus troupes in the world. It consists of 100 artists, most of of whom are renowned acrobat athletes who have won numerous prizes and awards in various competitions both within China and abroad. Among the troupe's about ten numbers, there is one unique trick that no one can repeat except the troupe's artists - this is the "Peacock's Tail". 14 people climb onto a bicycle racing around the arena

The Canadian Circus of the Sun (Cirque du Soleil), one of the best and largest circuses in the world, was founded in 1984 by French-Canadian circus artist Guy Laliberte. By the way, the first cosmonaut (or rather, a space tourist), a representative of the circus in space.

The main advantage of the Circus of the Sun is that it is not just a separate circus organization, but is a huge circus corporation that has representative offices in several countries around the world: London, New York, Las Vegas, Amsterdam, Singapore and Hong Kong . Main center corporation is located in Montreal. Since its founding, Cirque du Soleil has toured more than 250 cities around the world. Today the company employs more than four thousand people. Cirque Du Soleil is more than 30 different genres of forms and contents circus shows, which are not a divertissement performance, as we are traditionally accustomed to perceiving the circus, but entire performances where the dramaturgy of the plot concentrated ballet, circus, and vocals. It should also be noted that the main composition of the artists of the “Circus of the Sun” are artists from the CIS republics and China

In the French "Circus Fratellini" the main characters are clowns. The brothers Kiko, Popol and Baba Fratellini began their stellar careers in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Then they went to France, where they founded an academy of circus skills and became legends in the circus business. The daughter of one of the brothers, Annie, became the most famous French clown, and founded the world-famous Fratellini school (one of whose graduates is Vincent Cassel).

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus (USA) appeared at the end of the 19th century thanks to the five Ringling Brothers, self-taught circus performers. They were so successful - both in their own performances and in circus management - that they bought out the largest circus of Barnum and Bailey, who were the most famous entrepreneurs at the time.

As a result of competition, all three circus enterprises were united and formed the famous “Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus,” which was at the head of the process of modernization of the circus business. This circus became famous for the fact that spectators can simultaneously watch seven attractions demonstrated on three arenas and four platforms. By arriving at the show early, they get the opportunity to watch how the performers apply makeup and how the trained animals prepare for their performances.

This circus is characterized by the same gigantomania that was present at the very beginning of its creation. but not only that. They still don’t leave the arenas of this greatest show in the world, as the Ringling Brothers Circus advertises itself - these are the numbers “Projectile Man” (flight from a cannon), “American Pendulum” (aka “Lapendula”, aka “Wheel of Death” ), access to the arena of a dozen elephants, which are bred specially at the circus salting farm in Florida, and other large-scale performances.
The circus travels on specially equipped trains throughout America. Because at one time this circus was also called “Railway”

But the oldest, most prestigious, highest and most significant is International festival in Monte Carlo, where the circus Oscars are played. After all, this is where the World Circus Federation is located. And even participation itself is without awards, but in Monte Carlo it is a kind of “ticket” to the most prestigious programs and circuses in the world.

EPILOGUE

Many books have been written about the circus. Classics and modern writers, artists, composers have always dedicated their works to the art of the cheerful, dexterous, strong and brave. Many films have been made about the circus. Moreover, both successful and not so successful, where the truth about the life of the ever-wandering circus people and their behind the scenes life. The circus is interesting to everyone. Perhaps this is where his phenomenon lies.

The circus is not the privilege of crowned heads. No wonder he is considered the most accessible view arts So International Circus Day is a special event both for circuses and for fans of circus art. For artists, this is an opportunity to once again show themselves and glorify the circus. For viewers and fans to see again or simply remember their favorite artists, remember their childhood and not only tell, but also show their children, grandchildren, and perhaps great-grandchildren this kind, a little naive, but such a sincere and beautiful miracle, whose name is CIRCUS.

And if your friend
Or just a passerby,
He will declare frankly without embellishment,
That there are no miracles in the world,
What the circus can't stand.
Don't believe it! He is deceiving you.
If an elephant plays the trumpet
- This is a miracle!
If a clown is dancing on a pole
- This is a miracle!
If a bear gets on a motorcycle
- This is a miracle!
Do you want to know what a circus is?
Circus is a miracle!

Holidays are an integral part of our social life, many of which concern us personally, our loved ones and friends.

Almost every day in Russia some holiday is celebrated.

The human world is full of entertainment. The origins of many of them are in the distant past. These are, for example, theater, cinema, amusement parks. The same can be said about the circus. The latter was dedicated to a separate holiday: International Circus Day. It is celebrated on every third Saturday in April. In 2019, International Circus Day falls on April 20.

General information about the holiday

International Circus Day appeared in 2010 on the initiative of two organizations: the World Circus Federation (Federation Mondiale Du Cirque) and the European Circus Association. At first it was an exclusively European holiday. And, by the way, the solemn date itself was tied to that of the European Circus Day, which has existed since 2008. And in 2010, by and large, it simply acquired international status, which became possible thanks to the support that the idea received from dozens of European states, including Russia.

International Circus Day is a very emotional holiday. His goal is quite transparent: the development of circus art in all countries of the planet. This is very important, since the latter is one of the oldest types of world art and culture. The circus gives its spectators laughter, joy, in one word - positivity. Circus performances taking place in the arena make children experience incomparable pleasure, and adults - temporarily escape from their own problems and troubles. The circus is a place of rest from the hustle and bustle, it’s different, fairy world, located very close to us. And one of the tasks of International Circus Day is to preserve this miracle, created by the hands and creative thought of mankind, as well as to improve it.

On every third Saturday in April on International Circus Day, anyone can go to the circus of their own or a nearby city, see the brightest, most colorful shows, and also take part in master classes held as part of the holiday by jugglers, acrobats and other employees of the institution, where atmosphere of lightness and fun. In many countries around the world, International Circus Day is a day of carnival processions and street celebrations. Another interesting opportunity provided to citizens within the framework of the announced solemn date is that, if desired, they can plunge into the world of the circus behind the scenes. What you see will make you fall even more in love with entertainment that has deep historical roots.

It should be noted that the world circus has its own headquarters. It is located in Monte Carlo - a small-sized kingdom. Princess Stephanie of Monaco herself monitors the development and activities of the Circus Federation, being the patron of the organization. She also became the initiator of the creation of this association, the main goal of which was to popularize circus art and attract public interest in it.

If we talk directly about our country, then in Russia a lot is also being done in this area. Solving organizational issues related to the International Circus Day, as well as the development and maintenance of domestic circus art as such, is the responsibility of representatives of the Russian State circus company. The latter is nothing more than a union of the largest circuses in the country. This organization established its own award, awarded for special merits in the circus arts. She is also the personification, a kind of emblem, of International Circus Day in Russia. This award is a figurine of a cheerful Harlequin standing on one hand on a circus ball.

Circus art

And why not on this wonderful April holiday - International Circus Day - talk about the history of the emergence of circus art.

When did circus art begin? This question is quite easy to answer if you remember antiquity. IN ancient Hellas Holidays dedicated to pagan gods were often organized. These celebrations were accompanied by brilliant performances by actors - is this not a prototype of the modern circus? In Ancient Rome, this trend was developed even more, because the great power had numerous circuses, in the arena of which real circus acts were demonstrated for the amusement of the audience. The well-known Colosseum is rightfully considered one of the famous ancient Roman circuses. Our country has also distinguished itself in this regard. Since ancient times, buffoon booths and fairs have existed here, charging people with enduring fun for a long time. Even the dark Middle Ages were marked by numerous scenes in which cheerful jesters took part.

A full-fledged circus with tightrope walkers, jugglers, acrobats and trained wild animals appeared in later Europe. However, at first the performances took place on the street or in specially designated places, and the circus, as a rule, was nomadic. And only in XVIII century Finally, a real stationary circus appeared, settling in a building with a round arena and a domed roof. It opened in London in 1777 (according to other sources in 1768). The author and owner of the circus was Philip Astley. Initially, the round arena was intended for theatrical performances involving mainly horses. Later, you could see numbers in other genres here: historical melodramas, plot musical performances, extravaganzas. By the way, it was Philip Astley who was credited with determining the diameter of the circus arena (13 m). He also became the founder of the first circus dynasty. In 1782, a branch of the Astley Amphitheater opened in the French capital. In general, the circus of the resourceful Briton existed until 1895 and was considered a very popular entertainment establishment in London.

At the beginning of the 20th century circus show dramatically changed its structure. The stationary circus acquired clowns: carpet handlers and trainers. The tricks have become more complex trapeze artists due to the introduction of the safety net into circus practice. As a result, a number called “cross flight” was performed for the first time, and the role of “lovitor” also appeared.

The art of tightrope walkers has undergone some changes. In particular, the hemp rope was replaced with a metal cable, which had greater strength. This allowed the tightrope walkers to master complex acrobatic pyramids. The technical revolution of those years gave the go-ahead for the introduction of various mechanisms into circus art. As a result, absolutely incredible performances such as “extravaganza on the water” or “races along a vertical wall” began to be demonstrated in the arena. Subsequently, this trend was further improved, and today we have the opportunity to enjoy circus performances, developed taking into account all the latest technical innovations.

Each country has its own leaders in the field of circus art, but only a few of them managed to become famous throughout the world. Earth. What world circuses are included in the list of the best? This is, undoubtedly, Cirque du Soleil (Canadian “Circus of the Sun”), “Paradise Show from the Middle Kingdom”, Australian Circus “Oz”. It is worth including in this list the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue, famous for its incredible performances with trained animals. Go to the circus more often - and life will seem brighter!

We cordially congratulate all residents of our country on April 20, International Circus Day! We wish you more interesting and exciting performances.

13.04.2017

World Circus Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of April. Circus art designed to brighten up dull everyday life bright colors. Funny clowns, gymnasts soaring under the dome, virtuoso magicians give children unforgettable impressions and emotions of delight. Despite all the deceptive ease with which circus performers perform their tricks, this craft requires extraordinary effort, dedication and love for the viewer.

The first time this holiday was celebrated was in 2010. Its creation was initiated by the World Circus Federation. In the coming years, World Circus Day will be celebrated on the following days.

• 2017 - April 15.
• 2018 - April 21.
• 2019 - April 20.
• 2020 - April 18.
• 2021 - April 16.

From the history of the circus

The circus originated in Ancient Rome. But his performances were quite cruel and differed significantly from modern show programs. Instead of cheerful clowns, resourceful magicians and dexterous tightrope walkers, an enthusiastic audience watched chariot races, gladiator fights and other events in this spirit.

More modern version The circus appeared in 1777 in England, when professional rider Philip Astley staged acrobatic show. It was he who noticed that horses should gallop in a closed circle, and this is how the circus arena was created.

Celebrating Circus Day

On World Circus Day, everyone can attend a circus performance in their city, see an enchanting show, and also take part in master classes conducted by jugglers, magicians, acrobats and other circus performers.

In many countries, Circus Day is celebrated with carnival processions and mass street celebrations. Entertainment programs often include a visit to the circus backstage, where spectators can see with their own eyes the forge of an art that has deep historical roots.

Circus traditions

The circus headquarters is located in Monte Carlo. Its activities are supervised by Princess Stephanie of Monaco. The royal person initiated the creation of an association whose goal was to attract public attention to the circus craft.

In some countries there are circuses that have continued their traditions for more than a hundred years. Dynasties of artists work here, passing on their skills from father and mother to children. “Paradise Show from the Celestial Empire” (China), “Circus of the Sun” (Canada) and so on.

A ticket to a circus performance is relatively inexpensive, and the artists of this organization work hard to create the performance long time, putting yourself in danger. Sometimes their skills reach perfection. They overcome enormous difficulties for the love of the viewer.