Prince Rainier III founded the festival in 1974 because of his love for the circus and his desire to bring attention to the world's best circus performers. He presided over the festival until his death in 2005. His daughter, Princess Stephanie, and son, Prince Albert, have carried on the tradition. It is the first circus festival in the world.
The first circus festival was held on the Esplanade de Fontveille using the big top tent of the Bouglione circus of France. It was subsequently held under the tents of the circus companies Circo Americano-Togni, Nando and Liana e Rinaldo Orfei. A permanent site was set up for the festival in 1995 at Quartier Fontveille.
Performers come from numerous circuses around the world. They perform animal acts, acrobatics and magic tricks. Performers may request to participate, but all performances are chosen for inclusion by Princess Stephanie.
A selection of acts performs nightly the first week of the festival, currently held every January, followed by a gala and a second week in which there are two performances a day. Performances are open to the general public.
A new jury is chosen every year by Princess Stephanie. The jury observes and rates the performers and chooses the winners of the gold, silver and bronze clowns. The jury often includes renowned circus performers and circus owners.Other awards are also given out.
