Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain

The Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain: cradle of circus stars since 1977

Founded in 1977 by journalist and circus critic Dominique Mauclair, the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain has established itself over nearly five decades as the absolute benchmark for identifying and promoting young circus talent worldwide. Often compared to the Olympic Games of circus, it is, along with the Monte-Carlo Festival and the Wuqiao Festival, one of the three major international circus competitions.

Chaired since 2002 by Alain Pacherie — also director of Cirque Phénix — the festival perpetuates its founder's vision: to offer young artists aged 16 to 30 an exceptional international showcase and a springboard to the world's greatest stages. Artists who are now globally recognized took their first steps on the Cirque de Demain ring, helping to forge the legend of this unique event.

The Cirque Phénix and the Pelouse de Reuilly: an iconic Parisian setting

The festival takes place under the big top of the Cirque Phénix, an imposing 5,000-seat structure located on the Pelouse de Reuilly, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. This legendary venue, nestled between the Bois de Vincennes and the Place de la Nation, offers an exceptional setting for the competitors' performances. The traditional circular ring, spectacular lighting, and the big top's acoustics create a unique atmosphere, halfway between a high-level sporting competition and an exceptional live performance.

A competition of global scope

Each edition brings together around one hundred artists from about fifteen countries — from Europe to China, from Canada to Argentina, from Brazil to the United States, as well as Ukraine, Angola, and Ivory Coast. Applications, open each year until September, are reviewed by a demanding selection committee. The selected artists present their acts before an international jury composed of personalities from the world of circus, performing arts, and culture, who award gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as numerous special prizes.

A rich four-day program

The festival unfolds over four days in January. The first two performances — "Spectacle A and B" — allow the audience to discover all the competing acts. The third day is dedicated to the jury's deliberations and professional events organized by the festival's Club PRO, which brings together circus directors, programmers, artistic agents, and specialized journalists from around the world. On the fourth day, the Laureates' Show concludes the festival in grand style with the award-winning acts, offering the audience a concentration of circus excellence.

A springboard for international careers

The list of winners of the Festival du Cirque de Demain is a true passport to the world's greatest stages. Laureates are regularly hired by Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Knie, Cirque Arlette Gruss, Berlin's Wintergarten, or major international cabarets and theaters. The festival has also established partnerships with ARTE Concert, which broadcasts the shows, further amplifying its international reach.