Get ready to have a blast in Lublin during the last weekend of July (27th-30th July) because the 14th edition of Carnaval Sztukmistrzów is coming to town! Brace yourselves for an epic showdown as international artists battle it out with their hilarious gags, mind-blowing tricks, and irresistible charm. With a whopping five competition shows, prepare to be entertained like never before! And guess what? This year’s edition of the event is part of European Youth Capital Lublin 2023. So get ready to unleash your inner merrymaker and join the carnival of fun!
Who is a busker?
Buskers are self-sufficient street performers, who have the magical ability to captivate passersby with their exceptional skills, turning city streets into stages where they make a living. They collect donations in their “hat,” which has become their unwritten symbol. In their suitcase, they have everything they need to win over the audience in a matter of moments, creating a mini-stage on the sidewalk and collecting pocket change into their hats.
For the third time, the busking contest will shake up the streets of Lublin. In 2021, the organizers dedicated the busking stage to Polish artists, and Mr. Ząbek claimed the top spot. Last year, they completely broke free from the concept of boundaries, expanded the format, and opened the Busking Contest of the Carnival of Artistic Masters to artists from around the world. However, the winner of the previous edition was the only Pole in the competition, Krzysztof Kostera. This year, one thing is certain: the trophy and prize will go to an artist from South America.
The participants in this year’s contest come from various geographical backgrounds, though all of them, by some mysterious coincidence, come from South America. However, this does not mean that the programme will be dull or uniform. Nevertheless, this by no means indicates that the program will be monotonous or uniform. The fiery temperaments and wide range of circus skills among the artists guarantee immense excitement. Get ready for a true circus Copa América on the streets of Lublin! – says Marcelina Gzyl from Carnaval Sztukmistrzów’s office.
Brace yourselves for some fantastic talent in the contest! We have not one, but two dynamic female-male duets ready to rock the stage, along with three incredible solo performer
Duo Patagonia A Whole Trip | Argentina
Get ready for a wild adventure full of wacky twists, hilarious banter, and endless laughter! Two wanderers have strayed from their path and must reach their destination before nightfall. But with lakes, mountains, and endless deserts constantly distracting them, what are they to do? Every choice they make carries huge consequences. To reach their goal, our heroes must work together, turning their journey into a magnificent dance-acrobatic extravaganza. Will they successfully achieve their mission? Come and see for yourselves!
A Tope Shhh! | Argentina
Shhh! This sound may silence words, but it has no effect on the body! Lilah and Pirucho have found a new way to communicate with the audience – they do it through pantomime, sounds, and acrobatics, constantly keeping everyone on their toes! In this manner, with the help of an enchanted audience, they create a one-of-a-kind show that offers an unparalleled experience filled with ingenuity and fun!
Mr Mostacho Equilibrium | Chile
“Equilibrium” is an extraordinary comedy show featuring hair-raising stunts and daring acrobatics. Get ready to watch juggling and… colourful balls in an interactive journey through the magical world of the circus, where anything is possible. With plenty of amusement and endless excitement, you’ll be fully immersed in the experience and forget about everything else. And the cherry on top will be the spectacular finale, where the artist will fearlessly jump rope on a unicycle. This performance is sure to leave a lasting impression on you!
Capuchini Circo Curious! |Argentina
For over two decades of his artistic career, Capuchini has fearlessly straddled the line between technical virtuosity and improvisation, irony and tenderness, laughter and even more laughter! Curious! is a wild and wacky extravaganza that spins a whirlwind of giggles! In this wordless show, juggling, live music, and humour rooted in physical expression and gestures captivate and seduce the audience right from the start. They get so swept up in the madness that they join the maestro, jamming on unconventional musical contraptions. Together, they create an unparalleled and one-of-a-kind interactive spectacle where everyone shakes with laughter so hard that Capuchini swings even higher! And the audience swings right along with him!
Flash Gonzalez Matiz | Chile
Do you ever have flashbacks? Because we certainly do, and they’re not your ordinary kind! We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Flash – Flash Gonzalez, the remarkable second-place winner of the 2022 busker contest. Brace yourself as the funny Tramp makes his way back to Lublin with an all-new show! Unlike your typical performances, Flash relies on simplicity and intimacy to create magical moments. With his humble approach, this unassuming clown finds humour in everyday struggles. His charm is so irresistible that you’ll want to bring him home with you! Flash is a charismatic, elegant, and spontaneous artist, trained in physical theatre, dance, and acrobatics. His artistry is a testament to his attention to detail, precise expression, and the ability to seize every moment with skill. Get ready to be amazed once again as Flash unveils his latest surprises for us.
Buskers will have two performances each day throughout the four-day festival. They will showcase their talents a total of eight times in Lublin! The artists will change locations and perform at different times of the day. Find them at Litewski Square (in front of the “I love Lublin” sign) and on Kapucyńska Street near the PeDeT building, as well as at the square in front of the Centre for Culture, Łokietka Square, and in the Old Town (po Farze Square).
The programme has been meticulously planned to ensure that all festival participants can fully enjoy the amazing performances. However, stay up-to-date
as the organisers have made some changes to Carnaval’s map of Lublin. Busker shows are suitable for all ages, so everyone can experience the magic, regardless of age.
How to vote?
To cast your vote for a busker, you will need to complete an online form, which will be available at www.carnavallublin.pl. Voting will commence on July 27th along with the first competition performance. The prize for the contest is a commemorative statuette and 3000 zł.
Of course, this is only a fraction of the exciting attractions that the organisers have in store foir you! The festival programme will be brimming with artistic experiments, workshops, and circus performances. You can check out the full event programme on the festival’s website. Stay tuned for more announcements coming soon!
Carnaval Sztukmistrzów
27–30 July 2023
Old Town, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free, selected shows are ticketed, tickets are available via goingapp.pl
carnavallublin.eu
Organisers: Workshops of Culture in Lublin, Cultural Institution of the City of Lublin, Lublin – City of Inspiration
Partners: Fundacja Firmament, Institut Français de Pologne, Elmax, Maki
Media patronage: TVP 2, TVP Kultura, Radio Lublin, Radio Eska, Gazeta Wyborcza Lublin, Presto,
e-teatr.pl, TerazTeatr.pl, Kultura Enter, Onet
Sponsors: PGE Obrót S.A., Tavex Sp. z o.o., Ball Packaging Europe Lublin Sp. z o.o.,
Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
Krzysztof Żuk – the Mayor of the City of Lublin has assumed honorary patronage.