Budapest Shines Under the Big Top: Magic and Mastery at the 16th International Circus Festival
Every January, Budapest transforms into the world capital of circus art—and this year, the Hungarian capital once again dazzled audiences and critics alike. From January 7 to 12, 2026, the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary with breathtaking performances, record-breaking talent, and a vibrant atmosphere that filled the historic Capital Circus of Budapest to the brim.
Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious circus festivals, the event gathered artists from every corner of the globe, each competing for the “Oscars of the circus world.” The result was a week of unforgettable moments—and a showcase of Hungary’s enduring influence on the international circus stage.
A Triumph of Technique: China Takes the Grand Prize
This year’s grand prize went to the extraordinary China National Acrobatic Troupe, whose stunning precision and breathtaking physical artistry left audiences speechless. Their performance, blending ancient tradition with contemporary flair, reminded everyone why Asian acrobatics continue to set global standards for discipline and innovation.
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Not far behind were other international stars, including the Martinez Brothers from Colombia and Japan with their explosive icarian act, the elegant Kateryna Kornieva from Ukraine on the flying pole, and the crowd-favorite Flying Tabares troupe—an Argentine-American team that seemed to defy gravity itself. Each act celebrated the perfection of human movement, leaving spectators both thrilled and inspired.
Hungarian Stars Rise: Homegrown Brilliance on the Global Stage
For Hungarian audiences, however, the real pride came from local talents whose performances won hearts and high honors alike. The The Anna’s duo claimed gold in the Hungarian Show category with their mesmerizing swinging pole act, balancing strength and emotion with effortless grace. The silver went to Duo Kriko, an aerial strap pair whose harmony and power hypnotized the crowd, while Eötvös Christofer, an illusionist from one of Hungary’s most famous circus families, earned bronze for his visually captivating magic performance.
These achievements confirmed what insiders already know: Hungarian circus art is alive, evolving, and more globally relevant than ever. Many local artists also received international invitations, turning Budapest into a launchpad for world tours. The Anna’s duo, for instance, won multiple special prizes and will soon perform in Italy, Armenia, and Peru. Duo Kriko secured upcoming appearances in Germany and Russia, while Eötvös Christofer brought home two special awards. Even rising juggler Rudolf Ádám Jr. received the prestigious Richter Circus award, signaling a bright future ahead.
A New Circus Vocabulary: Emotion Meets Acrobatics
Beyond competition, one of the event’s most captivating experiences was the Lyrical Circus Late-Night Show—a series of performances that blended physical skill with theater and poetry. Here, emotion took center stage as performers told human stories through motion, light, and music. The Ukrainian Chepkyi Mykhailo earned the gold award for his poetic aerial routine, while French duo Aelia Savary and Matéo Turbelin impressed with their diabolo act full of charm and artistry.
This evolving form of circus—lyrical, intimate, and story-driven—reflects a global shift toward art that moves not just the body but the heart. It’s one of the reasons Budapest’s festival now enjoys such international acclaim: it captures not only the thrills of acrobatics but also the emotional depth of performance art.
A Global Celebration with a Hungarian Soul
The festival’s grand finale highlighted a shared spirit of collaboration and cultural connection. The Martinez Brothers triumphed once again with the gold from the Hungarian Directors’ Jury, followed by the Romanian trapeze duo Duo Costache and the German-Austrian Casselly Family, who won hearts with their witty llama act.
As the lights dimmed and confetti filled the arena, the message was clear: Budapest remains a key meeting point for the world’s circus elite. Thirty years on, this one-of-a-kind festival proves that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully, breathing new life into a timeless art form.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Next Edition
For foreign visitors, the Budapest International Circus Festival is more than an event—it’s a cultural experience that captures the city’s creative spirit. Set in Europe’s only permanent stone circus, just steps away from Heroes’ Square and City Park, the festival is a breathtaking blend of artistry, history, and innovation.
If you visit Budapest in early January, make sure to reserve a seat at the Capital Circus of Budapest (Fővárosi Nagycirkusz). Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of acrobatics, the elegance of stagecraft, or simply the joy of human imagination in motion, the festival offers a rare window into Hungary’s deep connection to performing arts.
Budapest’s skyline may be famous for its domes and bridges—but for one magical week each year, all eyes turn to the big top, where dreams take flight beneath the winter lights.