Éclats de Cirque Festival

Éclats de Cirque: When Lyon Vibrates to the Rhythm of the Big Top

Born from the desire of the École de Cirque de Lyon and the MJC Ménival to promote circus arts beyond the walls of their school, the Éclats de Cirque festival has established itself as a must-attend event for the start of the school year in Lyon. Every year in September, the Parc de la Mairie du 5e and the spaces of the MJC Ménival are transformed into a vast circus village where the public of all ages comes to discover the richness and diversity of contemporary circus.

A Demanding and Festive Program

The festival unfolds its program over several days with a common thread: making circus accessible to everyone. The discovery stage hosts regional and emerging companies that present their creations in an intimate and warm setting. Jugglers, acrobats, tightrope walkers, and clowns follow one another to offer shows where technical prowess blends with poetry and humor.

Workshops for Young and Old

True to its educational mission, the École de Cirque de Lyon offers introductory workshops open to all: trapeze, tightrope, juggling, balancing on a ball, and floor acrobatics. Supervised by professional artists, these workshops allow participants to experience the sensations of the circus in a safe and supportive environment. Children and adults alike leave with stars in their eyes and sometimes a budding vocation.

Strong Local Roots

Éclats de Cirque is more than just a festival: it is a neighborhood project that unites the residents of the 5th arrondissement around a living, joyful, and shared culture. Local associations, shopkeepers, and families mobilize to make this event a highlight of neighborhood life. The complete freeness of the event guarantees its accessibility and reflects the values of sharing that the MJC Ménival has upheld since its creation.

Contemporary Circus in Lyon

Lyon is fertile ground for circus arts, with renowned training structures and a dense network of companies. Éclats de Cirque is part of this ecosystem by offering a showcase for young talent and raising public awareness of new circus creations, blending physical prowess, storytelling, and emotion.