Litewski Square during the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów (July 23–26, Old Town) will invite visitors into a magical world filled with family-friendly attractions. Joining the French collective La Bande à Tyrex, which will bring to Lublin a performance redefining bicycle acrobatics, will be shows by the Argentine artist Cia. Frutillas Con Crema and the Danish group Cirkus Grand Danois. The artists will transport audiences into the world of traveling theaters and tell stories about everyday life in the circus. Above all, these are stories of people who dream of the big stage while struggling with the difficult reality hidden behind the scenes.
About “FATIGA, la mémoire des objets”
This will be an intimate portrait of loneliness and the search for hidden meanings in everyday life. The main character invites the audience into his “mobile home” — a cart full of secrets, where nothing is quite what it seems. The centerpiece of the set design is an impressive collection of more than 6,000 used tea bags, old shoes, and dozens of other sentimental objects that travel with the protagonist.
The main inspiration behind Fatiga was ordinary everyday objects and the memories they carry.
“I want to understand the meaning of the things I hold in my hands, to discover their stories and secrets. I want to create a world through what I call ‘everyday juggling.’ I remember the gentleness with which my mother put things away in cupboards, or the tenderness with which my grandmother folded handkerchiefs. I am motivated by reinterpreting memories through an object that can change and transform into a stage,” explains the creator of the performance.
In this extraordinary and magical story, the boundary between performer and audience will disappear. Spectators will become part of the protagonist’s world and fellow participants in an adventure that will remain in their memories for a long time.
Details
Cia. Frutillas Con Crema, “FATIGA, la mémoire des objets”
When:
Thursday, July 23, 6:00 PM
Friday, July 24, 6:00 PM
Where: Litewski Square, Lublin
Admission free
About “Grand Danois”
The Cirkus Grand Danois performance is a moving yet rebellious story that challenges common ideas about freedom, wealth, and the dream of a good life. We meet a dysfunctional circus troupe living in constant travel — with sawdust in their lungs, popcorn in their pockets, and tired circus hearts beating for something greater. Their home is wherever their wagon stops, even if only for a moment by the side of the road. Deep down, however, they still dream of a real circus tent, a world tour, applause, and recognition from audiences.
“We created this performance because we wanted to make a contemporary circus that returns to its roots. To the smell of sawdust and the sound of tent canvas flapping in the wind. We love circus as an art form, but we are also drawn to its popularity, comedy, and sense of community that everyone can join,” explain the artists.
Without a doubt, Cirkus Grand Danois will make audiences laugh, move them emotionally, and leave them with lasting reflections after the show ends. Reviewer Elena Stanciu from the international portal Around About Circus notes that the performance highlights the deeply human ability to come to terms with reality while still pursuing one’s dreams:
“Each scene is another chapter in their book of hopes and ambitions, set to stage through a medley of circus acts and disciplines. Handstands, trapeze, juggling, pair acrobatics, Washington trapeze, slack line — the four dreamers offer everything they have.”
Watch the trailer
Details
Cirkus Grand Danois, “Grand Danois”
When:
Saturday, July 25, 4:00 PM
Sunday, July 26, 6:00 PM
Where: Litewski Square, Lublin
Admission free
About Carnaval Sztukmistrzów
Carnaval Sztukmistrzów is the largest festival in Poland showcasing contemporary circus arts. The event has for years attracted crowds of residents and tourists to the city. They are drawn not only by world-class circus performances, but also by the magical atmosphere of the festival. The program includes clowning, acrobatics, juggling, and illusion shows presented as engaging circus performances, as well as attractions for children and concerts. It is the most performatively diverse festival in the country.
In addition, the Carnival is accompanied by the Urban Highline Festival – the oldest and largest highline festival in the world held in an urban space. Most of the festival program is free of charge and takes place in streets, squares, and public spaces. Some events are ticketed and can be seen in theatres and performance halls.
We already know the first guests of this year’s festival. As part of the ticketed performances, we will see:
Sébastien Wojdan | „Blanc”
In this solo performance, the artist exposes himself to the audience and confronts his own fears, such as hypochondria and the constant fear of death. It also explores anxieties about unfulfilled potential, lack of love, rejection, abandonment, being ridiculous, and dying alone. Before each performance, the artist runs 10 kilometers through the city. Only then does he step into the centre of a white space surrounded by high walls.
Julian Vogel | „Ceramic Circus”
In his solo performance, the Swiss artist crosses the boundaries between contemporary circus, visual art, and performance. The tension builds with the rhythm of a snare drum, drawing the audience into a world of constant anticipation of what will happen next. But “Ceramic Circus” is above all a play of contrasts: noise and silence, chaos and order, lightness and danger. Individual actions form a hypnotic sequence of images in which precision meets risk, and control meets unpredictability.
This year’s edition will also feature spectacular outdoor performances taking place at Plac Litewski, Plac po Farze, and the green areas of the Perła Brewery. One of them will be an open performance by the La Bande à Tyrex collective. The French company presents a format rarely seen even at the largest European festivals. They stand out, among other things, by not using pre-recorded music during their shows, instead creating their own live soundtrack for their performances.
While some artists balance on handlebars and perform complex acrobatic tricks, others play trombone, bass guitar, or percussion instruments.
Tickets available: Stage24.pl. More programme highlights coming soon.
Details
Carnaval Sztukmistrzów
July 23–26 2026
Lublin
Admission free, selected events are ticketed
More information about the festival can be found on the website carnavallublin.eu