Idea

The essence of Carnaval is FUN. Fun has always been accompanied by ludic art. And we use its new manifestations – new circus and busking – to open a time of shared celebration.

CARNAVAL is a time when everyday laws are suspended and the entire customary social and cultural order is turned upside down. Just as a juggler (or performer) is synonymous with an outsider, a freak and an outcast, Carnaval is synonymous with celebration, the abolition of laws, duties, and norms.

Carnaval is a time of destruction, chaos, death, but also of restoration, revival, and birth; it is the time of fools, artists and jugglers. Carnaval is the celebration of life itself. It is the essence of life, its most important sign.

Explosive new circus acts fill the tents, showing a world where theatre, juggling, dancing, and music become one art form, without borders or divisions. Street performers and their entourage keep things exciting in the streets, making people cower in fear or laugh at our everyday, shackled reality. There is laughter and horror, a touch of sentimentality but also intellectual discomfort. The sky is once again ruled not by angels or doves, but by highliners whose skills and boldness outshine the sun.
Let Carnaval begin!!!

More info

Street performers and masters of circus arts from all over the world come to Lublin to present breathtaking shows. It’s the most performatively diverse festival in the country, a unique and inspiring bazaar of the arts. Lublin’s Carnaval offers the best of contemporary circus, clowning, acrobatics, and busking from around the world.
Fotografia czarno-biała. Mężczyzna idzie po taśmie nad Starym Miastem
Zdjęcie czarno-białe. Grupa ludzi stoi w okręgu i żongluje żonglerkami.
Czarno-biała fotografia. Kobieta wykonuje akrobacje powietrzne.

The essence of Carnaval is FUN. Fun has always been accompanied by ludic art. And we use its new manifestations – new circus and busking – to open a time of shared celebration.

CARNAVAL is a time when everyday laws are suspended and the entire customary social and cultural order is turned upside down. Just as a juggler (or performer) is synonymous with an outsider, a freak and an outcast, Carnaval is synonymous with celebration, the abolition of laws, duties, and norms.

Carnaval is a time of destruction, chaos, death, but also of restoration, revival, and birth; it is the time of fools, artists and jugglers. Carnaval is the celebration of life itself. It is the essence of life, its most important sign.

Explosive new circus acts fill the tents, showing a world where theatre, juggling, dancing, and music become one art form, without borders or divisions. Street performers and their entourage keep things exciting in the streets, making people cower in fear or laugh at our everyday, shackled reality. There is laughter and horror, a touch of sentimentality but also intellectual discomfort. The sky is once again ruled not by angels or doves, but by highliners whose skills and boldness outshine the sun.
Let Carnaval begin!!!

More info

Street performers and masters of circus arts from all over the world come to Lublin to present breathtaking shows. It’s the most performatively diverse festival in the country, a unique and inspiring bazaar of the arts. Lublin’s Carnaval offers the best of contemporary circus, clowning, acrobatics, and busking from around the world.
An integral part of Carnaval Sztukmistrzów is Urban Highline Festival, known as the world’s largest and oldest highline event. It combines an integral element of the city’s identity – the iconic Magician of Lublin – with the emerging discipline of slacklining.
All attractions are located in the centre of the city and its historic quarter. Most events are free and open as they take place in the streets, squares, and plazas of the Old Town. Some events have a fee and can only be attended under the Big Top or in a theatre. Every year, several dozen young volunteers work on the festival, helping to animate the cultural life of the city.
Fotografia czarno-biała. Mężczyzna idzie po taśmie nad Starym Miastem
Zdjęcie czarno-białe. Grupa ludzi stoi w okręgu i żongluje żonglerkami.
Fotografia czarno-biała. Akrobartka wisi głową w dół na placu Litewskim

Photos

Photos

Other editions

Czarna gwizda na białym tle

Other editions

Czarna gwizda na białym tle

Awards and achievements

The People’s Choice Award in “Strzały 2021” contest organised by “Gazeta Wyborcza”.”

2022

Carnaval Sztukmistrzów’s key visual designed by Ewelina Kruszewska nominated for the final stage of the 27th Poster Biennale in Warsaw

2021

“Safe Event” Award granted by Stowarzyszenie Bezpieczna Lubelszczyzna

2019

Awards and achievements

The People’s Choice Award in “Strzały 2021” contest organised by “Gazeta Wyborcza”.”

2022

Carnaval Sztukmistrzów’s key visual designed by Ewelina Kruszewska nominated for the final stage of the 27th Poster Biennale in Warsaw

2021

“Safe Event” Award granted by Stowarzyszenie Bezpieczna Lubelszczyzna

2019

Outside Carnaval

Our activities go beyond just producing the festival; we also work to actively promote and enhance the visibility of circus art as an innovative form of theatrical and performance activities throughout the year. Our operations outside the festival mainly aim to strengthen and showcase the accomplishments of the Polish circus community, both at home and internationally.

Outside Carnaval

Carnaval Sztukmistrzów is a festival of new circus, acrobatics, and clowning, held in Lublin since 2008. Street performers and masters of circus arts from all over Europe come to Lublin to present breathtaking shows and performances. Visitors can meet sword swallowers, acrobats, and street performers who are bound to move them to tears of laughter.