In Montreal, summer to the rhythm of the circus

2023-07-08T17:37:30.191Z

Highlights: "Montréal Complètement Cirque" attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year. Organized for 14 years and financed mainly by the public, this festival mobilizes more than 250 artists. Montreal is best known for hosting Cirque du Soleil, the largest circus in North America. But in the wake of this giant, Montreal has also seen the birth of a multitude of smaller troupes, which create their shows in Quebec and then tour internationally. "Who has the chance to do acrobatics in the heart of downtown a big city like Montreal? It's really special!" says trapeze artist Marie-Christine Fournier.

Trampolines and trapezes are out on the bitumen; The colorful acrobats twirl in the middle of the skyscrapers, in front of passers-by who hold their breath.

In July, the circus unfolds for dozens of free shows in the heart of Montreal, recognized as one of the world capitals of the discipline. And this festival, "Montréal Complètement Cirque", attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year.

Stéphane Bourhis, a 53-year-old Frenchman, chose Montreal for his vacation precisely for the circus.

"Compared to the circus in France, we feel that here, it's not only for children," he explains, amazed by a trampoline act.

"There are no animals or clowns, but rather acrobatics. It's very impressive."

Behind him, acrobats climb a giant metal structure, which serves as their playground. In perspective, a space between the skyscrapers reveals Mount Royal, the green hill overlooking downtown Montreal.

Passers-by attend a rehearsal for the "Montréal Complètement Cirque" festival, on July 6, 2023 in Montreal, Canada © ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP

Organized for 14 years and financed mainly by the public authorities, this festival mobilizes more than 250 artists.

"It's so great here, between the buildings. Who has the chance to do acrobatics in the heart of downtown a big city like Montreal? It's really special!" enthuses trapeze artist Marie-Christine Fournier.

Accustomed to performing at big top shows, Louis-David Simoneau discovered the open-air stage, in front of an audience composed largely of passers-by.

"You have to adapt to a lot of conditions, whether it's heat, humidity, sun, wind, flies, passing birds," explains the trapeze artist, who recalls that Montreal is "the cradle of contemporary circus".

Passers-by attend a rehearsal for the "Montréal Complètement Cirque" festival, on July 6, 2023 in Montreal, Canada © ANDREJ IVANOV / AFP

In this area, the Canadian city is best known for hosting Cirque du Soleil, the largest company in North America.

But in the wake of this giant, Montreal has also seen the birth of a multitude of smaller troupes, which create their shows in Quebec and then tour internationally.

This summer, the organizers of the "Montréal Complètement Cirque" festival hope to reach 500,000 spectators.

In Montreal, summer to the rhythm of the circus

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