When is International Circus Day in the year? There are thousands of circuses in the world

Hard to imagine modern man, who has never been to the circus. This incredible place is a favorite for every generation, we come here for positive emotions, for incredible sensations, we joyfully clap our hands when we see trained animals in the arena, we freeze with delight and fear when an aerial acrobat flies under the dome of the sky. The history of the circus is rooted in the deep history of each country. In Rus', buffoon fun was known, in Greece, special actors performed at festivals dedicated to the gods, in Rome, in the arena of numerous Colosseums, jesters appeared and various circus acts were shown. It is worth noting that the name circus came into use only in the 18th century, it was invented by the famous circus organizer John Hughes. It was in the 18th century that the immutable laws of the circus were born, so the arena became exactly thirteen meters in diameter, which is optimal for galloping horses; during this period, the first circus acts with acrobats and various exercises on horses were born.

When is Circus Day celebrated?

Well, these days, as a tribute to this amazing art Once a year, on the third Saturday of April, the whole world celebrates International Circus Day, so to speak, of acrobats, jugglers, clowns and other participants in circus performances. In 2015, Circus Day is celebrated on April 18, in 2016 it is celebrated on April 16, in 2017 - on April 15.

True, the first celebration of this holiday occurred only in 2010, when the Circus Association in Europe established this holiday. The date of the celebration was tied to European Circus Day, which was first celebrated in 2008. On this day, Europeans could learn about circus traditions their countries, colorful performances and shows were organized for them. In 2010, dozens European countries picked up the idea of ​​celebrating Circus Day and enthusiastically created unique creative programs and shows (Russia was among the countries participating in the celebrations). Surprisingly, the world circus also has its own headquarters, which is located in the small kingdom of Monte Carlo. The development of the Circus Federation is monitored by its patron, Princess Stephanie of Monaco herself. It was she who took the initiative to create such a non-profit federation, designed to develop and popularize circus art, bringing it to the masses.

The purpose of celebrating International Circus Day is development in all countries of the world circus art, as one of the most ancient types of culture and art of different countries. The circus brings laughter and fun into our lives; circus acts make us believe in a miracle, in a fairy tale. Everyone loves the circus, both adults and children, they come here to relax and forget about everyday problems, people immerse themselves in bright world show, enthusiastically watching what is happening in the arena.

The main feature of this day is the openness of the circus; on this day all circus institutions open their doors and show the most beautiful, brightest performances. The circus organizes street celebrations and carnival processions. On this day, everyone can look behind the scenes of the circus and see how life is in full swing on the other side of the arena. On this day, master classes are also organized, where everyone can take part, try juggling, and ride a unicycle.

Circus Day in Russia

In Russia, the maintenance and development of the circus, as well as the organization of Circus Day, fell on the shoulders of the Russian State circus company, which includes the leading circuses of our country. It is this organization that created its own award, which is awarded for special merits in the circus genre (all laureates are awarded a figurine of a cheerful Harlequin, who famously stands on one hand on a circus ball); it is also responsible for holding International Circus Day. On this cheerful day, clown performances take place throughout our country, and sounds are heard in the streets. funny music, and inside any circus there is a special holiday atmosphere and positive emotions.

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 major 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 Middle Kingdom", 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.

13.04.2017

World Circus Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of April. Circus art is 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 audience.

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 an 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.

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 worked out with UNESCO regarding the introduction International Day circus to 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 was built big circus 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 a sea of ​​positive emotions - “CIRCUS PEOPLE”. 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 built Zoo 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 circus performances"Carnival in Cuba" and "Peace Pipe", Barmaley on New Year's Eve 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- 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!

Perhaps not a single circus building in the area former USSR did not get more than the Lugansk circus. The building was built in 1971 according to a standard design by the architect Solomeya Maksimovna Gelfer - if anyone doesn’t know, similar circuses are located in Ufa, Samara, Donetsk, Perm, Krivoy Rog, Novosibirsk, Voronezh, Kharkov and Bryansk.

After the events of the summer of 2014, the Lugansk circus was an extremely sad sight - the Ukrainian Armed Forces hit it precisely, otherwise there is nothing to explain such destruction: almost all the glass was broken, the walls were cut by shrapnel, there was a direct hit in the dome. The restoration of the building was carried out by the LPR and the Russian State Circus, with the direct assistance of V. Medinsky and V. Gagloev.

You can see how damaged the Lugansk circus was after the fighting here:

Support for circuses in Lugansk and Donetsk remains one of priority tasks Russian State Circus, and therefore it was decided to hold the holiday in Lugansk. The trip was led by General Director Vadim Gagloev, who became the main object of media attention, confirming that the Russian State Circus will not leave colleagues and friends in trouble:

In the foyer you can see a selection of photographs showing the destruction and subsequent restoration of the building. It should be immediately noted that after the renovation, the Lugansk Circus looks even better than some of the circuses of this project in the actual Russian Federation.

The head of the LPR, I. Plotnitsky, also arrived, and he opened the show with congratulations and the presentation of diplomas.

Let us note right away that very, VERY many children from a wide variety of creative and amateur groups of the Lugansk region took part in the performance. Work in this regard is being carried out most thoughtfully and extensively at the state level. In Russia, alas, this can be seen less and less often.

And the director of the Lugansk circus, Dmitry Kasyan, receives the title of Honored Artist of the LPR - without his energy and perseverance, it is generally unknown when the circus would open again.

Vadim Gagloev talked to the youth and congratulated them on the holiday:

There are also foreign artists - a troupe of acrobats from Kenya. It would seem that they forgot in Lugansk? But it’s okay, they arrived and performed well.

Both adults and children come out to the arena with their original numbers:

We especially note the attendance - the hall is packed, all the seats are occupied, families with children. Those who did not have enough space stood in the aisles and on the stairs - here the mandatory safety rules are somewhat simpler than, for example, in Ciniselli. And the audience is completely different - much more spontaneous and friendly.

Let's be honest - the program is modest, based primarily on amateur groups, but everything is so heartfelt that it looks very touching. Of course, not Dusoleil even once. But Dusoleil will not come here for obvious reasons.

And again, let’s note a lot of children participating in the program - after all, the costumes are sewn, the children are happy to participate in the performance, there are no whims, everything is very calm, businesslike and at the same time completely joyful. Everyone works for their own pleasure. Moreover, there are very small children, 5-6 years old.

The oldest artists of the Lugansk circus with their students -

Well, a little protocol. Vadim Gagloev with the management of the Lugansk Circus and guests.

And armed escort awaits us to move to Donetsk through that same Debaltsevo.

Let's remember once again what the Lugansk circus looked like quite recently:

Remember - everything will be fine. If we restored the circus, we will restore everything that was destroyed. Wait for the report from Donetsk next time - everything simply won’t fit into one post.