Nearly three decades ago, in 1996, a small group of circus professionals started the Budapest International Circus Festival under the leadership of István Kristóf (1941–2023), the Monte Carlo’s Silver Clown and Jászai Mari Award-winning artist and director of the Capital Circus of Budapest, and his son Krisztián Kristóf. From nothing, a great miracle was born, which quickly became one of the most important circus competitions and festivals, and has since been ranked among the top five circus events in the world. For one week, the Capital Circus of Budapest attracts everyone who matters in the circus world.

Managers, directors, circus directors, casting directors, all watch with great anticipation as the artists enter the ring. The saying is literally true: the stage of the Capital Circus of Budapest is truly the world to the performers, as the whole world is watching them. Anyone who performs here is likely to get good offers from all over the world, and even sign new contracts. And anyone who performs here has the chance to win some of the world’s most prestigious professional awards – the Bronze, Silver and Gold Pierrot Awards.