After celebrating the 40th anniversary of the event last year, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco officially launched the 41st edition of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival on Tuesday, January 17th. And in a change of its customary opener, it is not the elephants that accompanied her for this traditional presentation, but facetious sea lions ...

The time is now for rehearsals under the marquee set up as every year in the neighborhood of Fontvieille, not far from the Rochers. The performances will begin on Thursday January 19th. More than 120 artists from 16 countries will perform until January 29, 2017. For 10 days, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival will make Monegasques vibrate, with Stephanie of Monaco leading the way.

President of the event, the youngest of the Rainer children never hid her passion for circus art. Launched in 1974 by her late father Prince Rainier III of Monaco on the occasion of the 25 years of his reign, this festival is now under the responsibility of the princess. And the future seems assured since Stéphanie de Monaco passed on her passion to her daughter, Pauline Ducruet, who accompanies her every year to this presentation.