The Festival Internacional del Circ Elephant d’Or Girona (International Circus Festival of the Gold Elephant) celebrated its 9th edition from January 13th -18th with multiple performances occurring on each day to the delight of the population of Girona, Spain. Over six days the 24 participating acts completed in either the Red or Blue shows before coming together on the final night for a gala award ceremony known as the Gold show. This festival, with its focus on traditional circus arts, is poised to become the premiere circus festival in Europe offering diverse performances from around the world and an equally diverse jury, drawing circus industry professionals to its unique market. I asked myself as I prepared to enter their big top for the first time, is the heritage circus industry willing and ready to grow such an event?

Festival organizers, Genis Matabosch and Joan Mompart with Bronze winner duo, “Deserve to Fly” from Russia. Photo: Blain Tully This festival started nine years ago as a passion ...