coins and more: 1207) 44th International Circus Festival, Monaco (16-26 January 2020), being held at Monte Carlo: The theme of this edition of the Circus Festival is the - "HORSE" : A Stamp of 1.40 Euro issued by Monaco Post: Stamp issue date: 06.01.2020:

1207) 44th International Circus Festival, Monaco (16-26 January 2020), being held at Monte Carlo: The theme of this edition of the Circus Festival is the - "HORSE" : A Stamp of 1.40 Euro issued by Monaco Post: Stamp issue date: 06.01.2020:

The Principality of Monaco is organising the 44th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo from the 16 - 26 January 2020. The Principality during this period will again become the global Circus Capital.

The 44th edition pays tribute to the noblest conquest of man - the "HORSE".

Arabian horses, Friesians, Spanish and Portuguese stallions are being presented by the team of horsemen from the Swiss National Circus "Knie". The greatest circus family names in the ring are - Ivan Knie and Maicol & Wioris Errani - The 30 Horse Grand Carousel from the Swiss National Circus Knie.

(For more information on the Swiss National Circus Knie on this blog, please visit the following link:

100 years of the Swiss National Circus - "Knie" celebrated with the issue of 20 Swiss francs coin from the Swiss Mint stable (2019): Issue date: 24.01.2019

Acrobatics, another cornerstone of traditional circus is also being presented with flying plates act from China, along with several other acts.

The best artists of the present will be awarded with "Golden Clowns".

More about the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo:

In 01/1974, Prince Rainier started this festival to recognise and promote circus performers at the pinnacle of their profession. It was initially held in Monte Carlo until the festival's permanent venue in Monaco's Fontvieille district was completed.

During the festival, circus acts from around the world are performed for paying audiences and are presented to a jury of circus professionals, specialists and journalists. The jury gives awards for the best circus acts, including the Golden Clown (Clown d'or), Silver Clown (Clown d'argent) and Bronze Clown (Clown de bronze), in the form of statuettes. Special prizes are also awarded by various companies, organisations, institutions and individuals. The awards called "Palmares" are presented during a closing gala performance attended by the Prince of Monaco and his family.

The festival is presided over by Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who serves as the festival's president and oversees much of the planning of the competitions and gala shows. She became the president of the event in 2006, succeeding her late father in the role.

Some past winners of the festival's prestigious Clown d'Or award have included - Spanish clown Charlie Rivel (1974), American daredevil and trapeze artist Elvin Bale (1976), Russian clown Oleg Popov (1981), Italian clown David Larible (1999), American juggler Anthony Gatto (2000), French circus director Alexis Gruss (1975 & 2001), American clown Bello Nock (2011), Russian teeterboard act the Trushin Troupe (2017), Hungarian animal trainers Merrylu & Jozsef Richter (2018) and English animal trainer Martin Laey Jr. (2010 & 2019).

The Commemorative Stamp:

The First Day Cover (FDC) is inscribed "Principat de Monaco", "Office Des Timbres" ("Post Office"), "Premier Jour D'Emission" ("First Day Cover").

At top right is affixed the 1.40 Euro stamp showing the logo of the 44th International Circus festival. The special Cancellation Handstamp/postmark is dated "06.01.2020".