The Massy International Circus Festival returns from January 28th to 31st, 2027, to celebrate its 33rd edition, once again confirming its status as a must-see event for traditional circus in France and Europe. Since its creation in 1993, this festival has become one of the most prestigious international competitions dedicated to circus arts, welcoming the world's greatest artists each year under its famous big top in Massy. For four days, audiences are invited to experience an exceptional show where virtuosity, elegance, poetry, and thrills unfold in a warm and welcoming family atmosphere.
Held in the Parc Georges-Brassens in Massy, the festival once again transforms the city into a true circus capital. Under the immense big top, several thousand spectators come to witness a succession of acts selected from the best in the world. Each performance is conceived as a complete show where the emblematic disciplines of traditional circus unfold in a rhythmic staging, accompanied by meticulously crafted sound and lighting. The event is directed by Patrick Rosseel, renowned for his expertise in creating high-quality circus shows.
The Massy International Circus Festival is distinguished above all by its competitive nature. Unlike a simple program of shows, it is a true international competition where artists present their acts before a jury of circus professionals. Participants come from all corners of the globe to try and win one of the prestigious awards that have made the festival famous: the Gold Ring, the Silver Ring, the Bronze Ring, as well as several special prizes, including the highly coveted President of the Republic Prize. These distinctions represent major recognition in the artists' careers and often allow the winners to access the biggest international rings.
As every year, the program brings together an exceptional selection of circus disciplines. Audiences will be able to admire aerial acts blending grace and technical prowess, trapeze artists defying gravity, aerial silks performers, tightrope walkers moving with remarkable precision, jugglers with perfect mastery of objects and rhythms, hand-to-hand specialists, acrobats performing spectacular feats, contortionists, clowns bringing humor and emotion, as well as original acts from the greatest international circuses and festivals. The diversity of disciplines makes for a show rich in emotion, blending physical power, artistic elegance, humor, and poetry.
For over thirty years, the Massy Festival has showcased hundreds of artists, including some of the biggest names in the world of circus. Many of them won their first international awards in this ring before going on to perform in the most prestigious venues worldwide. This ability to discover new talent while also welcoming established artists has earned the festival a reputation that extends far beyond France.
The 2027 edition will offer several performances spread over four days, allowing the public to discover all the competing acts. The traditional Show A, Show B, and the Grand Gala will showcase different combinations of acts throughout the festival. Each performance offers a unique experience, ensuring that even the most dedicated spectators can attend multiple shows without seeing the exact same performance twice.
The Massy International Circus Festival is also renowned for its warm welcome and excellent organization. The large big top offers superb visibility of the ring, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the performances. The welcoming atmosphere, spectacular lighting, elaborate costumes, music, and presentation all contribute to creating a truly immersive experience in the world of traditional circus. Young and old alike share a moment of discovery and wonder, making this event an ideal family outing.
Suitable for ages 4 and up, the show lasts approximately 2 hours without intermission, offering a fast pace where acts follow one another seamlessly. Each artist has a few minutes to impress the jury and wow the audience, guaranteeing a dynamic performance where the disciplines are constantly evolving.
Beyond the competition, the Massy International Circus Festival plays a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional circus arts. Since its inception, it has actively contributed to the development of this discipline in France, fostering exchanges between international artists, producers, circus directors, and enthusiasts. Today, it is one of the major annual events on the European circus calendar, attracting spectators from all over France and numerous international visitors each year.
With its 33rd edition, the Massy International Circus Festival continues its mission to present the world's finest circus creations to the public in a prestigious setting, bringing together exceptional artists, spectacular performances, and top-level competition. Between technical feats, emotion, humor, elegance, and poetry, this new edition promises once again to enchant all generations and celebrate the very best of traditional international circus.