The thirteenth Alicante State Contemporary Circus Festival, Circarte, welcomes a lineup of very special guests this year as the VI CircoRED Congress brings together the circus community in a vibrant celebration of performance and artistry. Organized by the Spanish Federation of Professional Circus Associations, the event continues to grow as a cornerstone of Europe’s contemporary circus scene.
From October 13 to 23, 2022, the province of Alicante will pulse with circus acts and related arts, inviting locals and visitors alike to join a range of performances, discussions, and showcases that highlight culture’s enduring value to society. The festival serves as a bridge between creative expression and public engagement, especially for audiences in Canada and the United States who seek fresh, high-caliber contemporary circus experiences in a European setting.
As the congress unfolds, the program centers on current, industry-focused offerings rather than a broad, all-ages state circus program. The dates for this year’s events will be announced in due course, with venues at Circarte hosting a curated selection of professional events and performances from October 16 to 19, framed by the festival’s ongoing schedule.
Each year Circarte pairs with CircoRED to stage the National Congress across an autonomous community, and this edition places the Valencian Community and the Valencian Society of Circus Professionals at the helm. The collaboration underscores a commitment to professional development, industry networking, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen the sector across regions and international borders.
The Circarte team works in concert with the CircoRED office to shape a programming slate that reflects how culture can thrive when professionals connect with artists in Alicante. The organizers describe this edition as a unique opportunity arising from strong cooperation and the chance to link the state circus community with local talent in a city renowned for its cultural vitality.
The festival is set to open with the Great Gala Circarte at the Alicante Main Theater, serving as the opening ceremony for the VI CircoRED Congress. An open call invites circus numbers from performers, with information available through the festival’s official site. This open invitation aligns with Circarte’s mission to showcase a broad spectrum of performance styles while maintaining a professional, festival-scale atmosphere that resonates with audiences across North America and beyond. Source: Circarte Festival communications.
Circarte 2022 marks a resilient return after the health crisis, presenting a renewed edition that leverages reopened venues and the Circarte Family’s dedication to diverse, inclusive art forms. The sustained effort supports social well-being by offering space for experimentation, collaboration, and community engagement, ensuring that contemporary circus remains a dynamic and accessible cultural force for attendees from Canada, the United States, and international visitors alike. The festival’s revival demonstrates how cultural life can rebound with creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for performance art. Attribution: Circarte Festival program notes.