Oriented on making people closer

During the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Principality of Monaco, the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group triumphantly performed at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, receiving the main award – the "Golden Clown" – and other special prizes.

Victory at this prestigious circus show has long been a dream of the renowned group of Turkmen riders. Their performance became one of the highlights of the 47th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo and the 12th New Generation Festival, taking place from January 17–26, 2025. The official program for 2025 states that the circus arts festival will be historic, with performances that push the boundaries of what is possible. The organizers promised that several records would be broken during this exceptional program. And one of the sensations and discoveries of this exciting show was the performance of the “Galkynyş” Group from Turkmenistan.

The International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, held under the dome of the famous Fontvieille big top, is one of the most prestigious events on the world circus stage, bringing together the best artists from different countries. From 1974 to 2001, the main prizes awarded at the festival were the "Golden Clown" and the "Silver Clown". Since 2008, the "Golden Clown", "Silver Clown", "Bronze Clown", and many special prizes have been awarded.

The history of the famous circus arts festival began in 1974, when Prince Rainier III of Monaco, a passionate lover of the circus, decided to create a festival to provide assistance and support to traditional circuses and circus families. The love of the circus was passed down from father to daughter, and after the death of Rainier III in 2005, Princess Stéphanie became the president of the world's largest circus festival. Having been fascinated by circus art from a very young age, Princess Stéphanie contributes to the development of all types of circus art, participates in the development of the concept and organization of performances under the following headings: respect for traditional circus and the selection of the best international acts. She is also the honorary president of the World Circus Federation, which represents circuses and circus schools from around the world, preserves the values of circus art, and promotes their development. The federation's head office is located in the Principality of Monaco.

Continuing family traditions, in 2012, Princess Stéphanie and her daughter, Pauline Ducruet, decided to create the "New Generation" festival for young artists as part of the traditional show. Pauline became the chairman of the International Jury, which awards prizes – the "Golden Junior", "Silver Junior", "Bronze Junior", as well as many special prizes. As part of the celebration of the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III and the 50th anniversary of the festival he founded, a unique exhibition entitled "The Prince at the Heart of the Circus" was organized in 2024 under the chairmanship of Princess Stéphanie. This exceptional event included a grand circus parade in the city and an open-air circus show on the Place du Palais.

ORIENT

Photo: newmyroyals.com