Athens is getting its own big-top moment this November, as Alsos Veikou (Veikou Grove) in Galatsi transforms into a full circus tent for the Athens Big Top Festival, a two-day celebration of contemporary circus arts, movement, and community. The festival, taking place 15–16 November, is the result of a vibrant collaboration between Cirkelin, Dynamo Circus Space, the internationally active Flying Seagull Project, and the Afro-diasporic arts center Anasa.
It is partially funded by the Greek Ministry of Culture for 2025, held under the auspices of the Municipality of Galatsi, and supported by the French and Swedish Institutes.
More than a weekend of performances, the Athens Big Top Festival, offering free admission, aims to establish a new cultural institution in the city — one that highlights artistic creation, intercultural exchange, social inclusion, and accessible education in the performing arts.
A Festival That Blends Art, Inclusion & Education
Over the course of two days, audiences of all ages can experience a program featuring:
- Circus shows and cabaret performances
- Live music concerts
- Hands-on workshops for children and adults
- A panel and thematic discussions on social circus
- An open stage for emerging and established performers
- Collaborations with international artists and community organizations
Variete Embros_Dimitris Bakopoulos
At its core, the festival champions the idea of circus as a space of empowerment. Social circus — a global practice that uses circus skills to build confidence, promote inclusion, and support vulnerable communities — is a central pillar of the event. Through workshops and public discussions, visitors can explore how movement, creativity, and play can foster resilience and connection.
The festival also aspires to cultivate a long-term cultural hub for circus arts in Athens: a safe, inclusive environment where young people and adults can train, experiment, and build artistic and physical skills.
Oh My Goddess Roes_ Martha Arnaoutoglou
Who’s Behind the Festival
The Athens Big Top Festival brings together four organizations with a shared commitment to artistic education and social impact:
- Cirkelin (est. 2024): A collective of artists and practitioners active in contemporary circus production, teaching, and social circus projects.
- Dynamo Circus Space: Since 2011, a key force in promoting contemporary circus in Greece through classes, workshops, and performances.
- The Flying Seagull Project: An international nonprofit offering joyful creative experiences to children and communities in crisis around the world.
- Anasa Cultural Center: A hub of Afro-diasporic arts and culture, working through public actions and educational programs to promote intercultural dialogue and empower young people of African descent.
Variete Embros_ Dimitris Bakopoulos
Festival Programme
Saturday 15/11
12:00–16:00 — Open Circus Workshops
Hands-on introductions to contemporary circus techniques for kids and adults:
- Aerial acrobatics
- Floor acrobatics
- Group acrobatics
- Juggling & object manipulation
- Balance training
Variete Embros_ Dimitris Bakopoulos
17:00–19:00 — Panel Discussion
“Social Circus: Empowering Vulnerable Communities Through Art”
20:00–21:30 — Circus Cabaret
A showcase by contemporary circus and performing arts artists, accompanied by live orchestra.
22:00–23:30 — Live Concert
With the electro-psychedelia band Los Tre.
Sunday 16/11
12:30–14:30 — Mapping Circus in Greece
A nationwide open discussion: artists, trainers, producers, and students examine the present and future of contemporary circus in Greece.
15:00–17:00 — Circus Jam Session
An open training space for circus and alternative arts practitioners.
18:00–19:30 — Open Stage
A call to both emerging and experienced artists to present short live performances. Participation via online platform.
20:00–21:30 — Live Concert
With the 20-member Balkan brass ensemble Agia Fanfara.
The Athens Big Top Festival – Athens Contemporary Circus Festival comes to life with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Galatsi.
