Ethiopian Circus Troupes Gain Recognition at International Arts Festival in Russia

Circus troupes Black Birds and Afro Twins took part in the 2026 Idol International Circus Arts Festival. The X World Festival of Circus Arts "IDOL-2026" was held in Moscow from May 30 to July 12, 2026 at the arena of the Great Moscow Circus. This anniversary event has become one of the largest international circus forums, bringing together artists from different countries. Basics Participants: About 180–190 artists from 12 countries took part in the competition program: Russia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, China, North Korea, Cuba, Mexico, Mongolia, Tanzania, Chile and Ethiopia. Program: spectators saw the best achievements of world circus art in the genres of aerial gymnastics, balancing act, juggling, training, group rubber, Icarian games and clowning. Competitive performances took place from June 4 to June 7, and the gala show of the winners began on June 10. The theme of the festival: “Russian Seasons”. The competition numbers were combined into one story, which included four chapters - Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Artistic direction: People's Artist of the Russian Federation Askold Zapashny (artistic director and chief director) and Daria Purchinskaya (director, laureate of the Moscow Government Prize). Presenters: People's Artist of the Russian Federation Edgard Zapashny (general producer of the festival) and TV and radio presenter Lera Kudryavtseva. Jury and awards The candidates were evaluated by three groups of juries: professional, media and audience. The main awards of the festival are prizes in the categories “Golden Arena”, “Golden Auditorium” and “Golden Idol”. If the opinions of all three groups coincided, the winner received the Grand Prix. Some winners: Grand Prix: "Rope Walkers" performance under the direction of Rim Eun-il (DPRK). “Golden Idol” (professional jury): “Acrobats on a Russian Stick” directed by Evgeniy Babanin (Russia), “Sea Animals” by Vasily Timchenko (Russia), acrobatic performance “Time - Hoop Diving” (China). “Golden Arena” (media jury): “Rope Walkers” led by Rim Eun-il (DPRK). “Golden Auditorium” (audience jury): “Rope Walkers” directed by Rim Eun-il (DPRK). The festival has been held in Moscow since 2013 and surprises audiences every year with a new style and thematic design. The permanent organizers are People's Artists of Russia Edgard and Askold Zapashny. This is the first time in the festival's history that Ethiopian circus troupes have participated simultaneously. The Black Birds troupe received recognition for their participation from the Moscow State Circus and the Circus Arts Union.