Due to the rapidly developing situation with the Omicron variant and tightened health restrictions, the organizers of the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain under the chairmanship of Alain M. Pacherie made the difficult decision to postpone the 42nd edition of the festival, originally scheduled for January 27-30, 2022, in Paris.

The festival’s press release states:  “The international dimension of our public and the one even more extensive of our competing artists makes it impossible to require a very probable complete vaccination pass (three doses) as imposed by the French health authorities due to the extreme disparity of the standards in force in the various states concerned.”

The festival’s leadership expressed their disappointment and helplessness in light of such an abrupt cancellation. Their statement also acknowledges the impact and effect of the cancellation on the artists who have been preparing intensely for this event.

This is the second consecutive year that the festival has been postponed as a consequence of the coronavirus global pandemic. All circus festivals, and the Cirque de Demain in particular, are essential elements of our industry ecosystem. Festivals are not only a showcase of the world’s best talent, but also a gathering point for industry professional to exchange ideas, cultivate relationships and develop business. As an industry we will continue to compensate for the loss of live events with online presentations, but let’s acknowledge that nothing can make up for the moment when we are all under the tent and the signature overture of Cirque de Demain begins to play.

Rendez-vous l’année prochaine, Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain!

The 2023 festival is scheduled for January 26-29.