After eight incredible editions that helped define contemporary Ibero-American circus, FiRCO, the Festival Iberoamericano de Circo, has announced that its current format will come to a close. The heartfelt message shared recently by the festival team underscores both the impact of FiRCO across more than a decade and the organization’s intention to evolve into new forms and collaborations moving forward.
Founded in 2016, and first realized in 2018 at Teatro Circo Price in Madrid, FiRCO quickly became the first and only festival of its kind, dedicated exclusively to showcasing short circus pieces from the 23 countries of Ibero-America. The festival grew year after year as a hub for artistic excellence, cultural exchange and community building. It has been a space where young talents, seasoned performers and international industry professionals could meet, compete and celebrate circus arts.
From its earliest days, FiRCO’s mission was clear: to highlight the richness, diversity and artistic strength of Ibero-American circus, giving space to voices that had often been marginalized in the global performing arts landscape. Born out of the conviction that the circus of this region deserved recognition and sustained visibility, the festival created a unique platform where artists could present their work before specialized international juries, exchange ideas and build professional networks.
Over the years, the festival became much more than a competition. It was a meeting point in the heart of Madrid, a place of artistic encounter, emotional connection, and cultural celebration. Thousands of spectators filled the historic ring of Teatro Circo Price each edition, experiencing the extraordinary skills of performers from around the world. The final editions even saw record-breaking attendance and sold-out houses, cementing FiRCO’s status as a major international event in the circus calendar.
While the organizers confirms the end of the festival in its current form, they have not detailed the specific financial, political, institutional, and artistic reasons behind the decision. In the organizers’ own words, the festival is now entering a new chapter. While the format as we know it is ending, the legacy of FiRCO will live on through new collaborations, creative partnerships, and fresh spaces that continue the mission of amplifying Ibero-American circus art. The team leaves with “head held high,” proud of the community and artistic impact they helped forge over more than 10 years.
This evolution marks not a farewell, but a reimagining. A new chapter that invites continued connection and possibility for artists, audiences, and international partners alike.
From the very first edition, CircusTalk, now StageLync, has been a proud supporter of FiRCO. Since 2018, we recognized the festival’s importance in giving voice to the powerful circus heritage of Ibero-America, a region brimming with creativity, resilience and artistic innovation.
Through our coverage, profiles, and articles, including highlighting the beautiful circus arts imagery of Gaby Merz, we helped share the extraordinary work presented on the FiRCO stage. In doing so, we amplified artists’ stories and brought global attention to performances that might otherwise have remained unseen. We’ve celebrated winners, highlighted emerging voices, and witnessed firsthand how FiRCO became a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic excellence within the broader circus ecosystem.
As FiRCO transitions into its next form, StageLync remains committed to supporting the Ibero-American circus community, and to continuing our partnership in new ways that honor the festival’s spirit — fostering connection, sharing stories, and championing circus as an art form of global significance. As the team explores new formats, cities and collaborations, the international circus community awaits with anticipation for what comes next.
Gracias, FiRCO. Buenas noches Madrid, and buen viaje toward new beginnings.
Main image: The cast and crew of the last edition. Photo: Gaby Merz