Zoom-In: Get ready to smile – Festivals to brighten your Autumn

Paula Gozalvez - 27 Sep 2024

As World Smile Day approaches on 6 October, what better way to celebrate than through festivals? In October, Europe hosts several festivals dedicated to making you grin from ear to ear. From comedy showcasing gut-busting hits to circus arts and puppetry, there’s no shortage of reasons to crack a smile. Whether you are a fan of slapstick humour, clever satire or jaw-dropping circus acrobatics, these festivals will bring joy and light-hearted fun to all audiences.

CINEMATICA

Cinenatica Festival XI

24 - 27 October 2024 | Ancona, Italy

The Cinematica Festival XI will take place from 24 to 27 October in Ancona, Italy. Under the theme "Die for Laughing", it will explore the relationship between motion, image, and humor in visual and performing arts, with a special focus on silent movies and comedy. The festival includes video screenings, performances, exhibitions, and workshops, aiming to blend humour with artistic expression. It also includes a videodance competition and a kids’ section for young audiences.

For more information click here.

Photo credits: Cinematica Facebook Page
Circa

CIRCa Festival

18 - 26 October 2024 | Auch, France

Held every October in Auch, France, the CIRCa Festival showcases circus performances, workshops and events from French and international artists. It is a meeting point for all circus enthusiasts, artists, professionals, volunteers, the simply curious, practitioners and teachers. During the 37th edition, the Lithuanian contemporary circus will be in the spotlight.

For more information click here.

Photo credits: CIRCa Facebook Page
Marionetas

Marionetas na Cidades

1 - 6 October 2024 | Alcobaça, Portugal

Marionetas na Cidades is a festival held annually in Alcobaça. The festival celebrates puppetry, offering a wide variety of styles on the streets of the city. The 27th edition will take place on 1-6 October, and it’s free for attendees. The festival is family-friendly and welcomes audiances of all ages.

For more information click here.

Photo credits: S.A Marionetas Facebook Page
Encontro vila do conde

XI Edition Encontro Internacional de Palhaços

9 - 13 October 2024 | Vila do Conde, Portugal

The 11th edition of the Encontro Internacional de Palhaços (International Clown Encounter) is dedicated to the theme “Clowns without Borders”, a tribute to the social and artistic work of the international organisation with the same name. The "Clowns Without Borders" bring joy and hope to zones of armed conflict, natural disasters and other geographical and cultural borders with humanitarian problems. From 9 to 13 October, there will be shows, professional trainings, continuous activities for children and families and a solidarity gala.

For more information click here.

Photo Credits: Encontro Internacional Palhaços Vila do Conde Facebook Page
High fest

High Fest

1 - 8 October 2024 | Yerevan, Armenia

High Fest is a performing arts festival, held annually in Yerevan. The festival promotes Armenian performing arts, cultural exchange, and integration with European cultural initiatives. It includes Main and Fringe sections, an Armenian showcase, and special programs, such as an Iranian segment and circus performances. This year's edition runs from 1-8 October.

For more information click here.

Photo Credits: High Fest Facebook Page
Babkarska

24. International Festival of Contemporary Puppet Theatre Bábkarská Bystrica 2024

1 - 6 October 2024 | Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

The Bábkarská Bystrica festival in Slovakia celebrating contemporary puppet theater for both children and adults. Held on 1-6 October you will find innovative puppetry like shadowing theater, object theater and dance theater. The festival includes workshops and discussions.

For more information click here.

Photo Credits: Bábkové divadlo na Rázcestí Facebook Page
Festicam

FesticAM

30 September - 6 October 2024 | Delta de l'Ebre, Spain

Since 2013, FesticAM has brought circus, physical theatre and performing arts to Montsià, in the heart of the Delta de l’Ebre, turning it into a showcase and display of different proposals and projects of live arts worldwide. The 2024 edition starts on 30 September and runs until 6 October.

For more information click here.

Photo Credits: FesticAM Facebook Page
DANIEL SEABRA RESIDENCY

EFFEA Story: Daniel Seabra

Hosted by Trengo Contemporary Circus Festival in partnership with Terminal Festival, Pitch’d Festival & Circada Festival

Daniel Seabra, a Portuguese circus artist, embarked on a journey through Europe as part of the EFFEA Residency “Pó de Pedra”. The six-month adventure took him across Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Ireland, where he experimented with personal stories and daring new tricks.

Read the story and learn more about the residency

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