Fifth round in 2024

For the fifth time, the BigTopLabel awards were presented at the European Parliament’s Brussels headquarters on the 4th. of December in 2024. This year three new companies—Cirque D’Hiver from Paris, Zirkus Charles Knie from Germany, and Cirkus Arnardo from Norway— joined this elite group.

In her speech, Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, praised circus arts as a unique and valuable cultural form worthy of support. She delivered the following speech at the parliamentary event:

“The Circus is a beautiful art form, and it deserves all our support. It is actually a good epitome of the European Union, a group of diverse people banding together to do something bigger than themselves, connecting communities, one might even say, united in diversity.” These were the words of Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Culture, back in 2022 during the BigTopLabel awards ceremony held in the European Parliament.

I find this statement very fitting because European circus arts, with a history spanning over 250 years, are indeed much more than what we see in the ring. Behind the breathtaking performances, the acrobatics, and sometimes superhuman achievements, lies an immense amount of work and perseverance. These feats could never be accomplished without trust-based collaboration and teamwork. For this reason, circus arts not only embody cultural value but also carry significant social and societal messages. This is what makes them unique among art forms.

The European Union has always been committed to supporting and preserving our cultural heritage, including circus arts. Over the past decades, the European Parliament has adopted several resolutions and documents that directly or indirectly address circus arts and the broader cultural sector. Notable among these is the resolution adopted in October 2021, which focuses on the situation of artists and the cultural recovery of the Union. This resolution emphasizes the importance of the cultural and creative sectors for European identity and the economy and calls for improved working conditions for artists and cultural workers. Although the document does not specifically target circus arts, its measures and recommendations are equally applicable to circus artists, who are an integral part of the cultural sector.

In an interview a few years ago, I stated: “Europe is our future, and our shared cultural heritage is the foundation of European identity. The diversity and richness of European culture give strength to our community, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it.” I firmly believe that the over 250-year-old European circus tradition is a valuable component of Europe’s cultural diversity and, as such, of European identity. It is important to preserve it, safeguard its quality, and showcase its best examples to others.

“The Michelin star of circus arts”—this is how the BigTopLabel program is referred to in the cultural sector. It is a fitting comparison. The project’s objectives are clear and straightforward: to guarantee quality in circus arts based on the strictest professional and legal standards, whether it concerns working conditions, service quality, financial transparency, artistic excellence, or—something particularly relevant today—the welfare of animals. The program’s rightful aim is to highlight circus productions and companies that excel in all these areas, sometimes even challenging justified or unjustified stereotypes about the sector. I wish for the experts to continue their noble mission and spotlight those who deserve recognition. I also hope the BigTopLabel program achieves its long-term goals, such as fostering cooperation among award-winning circus companies, advocating collectively for shared interests, and educating the sector—all plans I learned about from the program’s founders. I am confident that the European community will support them in these efforts.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! And if I may add a personal note, I am especially delighted that a circus from Germany is among the honorees this year. “Viva le cirque!” as they say, meaning “Long live the circus!” And I say: Long live Europe, long live the diverse European community, long live the magnificent European culture, and within it, high-quality circus arts!”

Odette Bouglione, CEO of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione delivered the following speech at the European Parliament:

“Ladies and gentlemen, what an incredible honor it is to be here with all of you today. On behalf of the Cirque d’Hiver, the Bouglione family and the generations of artists, dreamers, and hard workers who have brought our name to life under our cupola, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for this wonderful award. The Big Top Label is more than just an award. It is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and resilience. For us, the circus is not just a profession; it is a way of life, a family heritage, and a source of endless joy. To see this way of life acknowledged by the European Parliament is truly touching and humbling. As you may know, the Bouglione family has been weaving stories of magic, daring, and laughter for decades.

The circus is a world where reality bends, where limits are tested, and where audiences of all ages can escape into a universe of wonder. It is a world built on trust, passion, and a belief in the impossible values that feel more important than ever in today’s world. But none of this would be possible without the incredible artists, technicians, and countless people behind the scenes who make the circus come alive. Tonight, I accept this award not just for my family but for all of them as well. They are the beating heart of the circus. I would also like to take a moment to thank the European Parliament for celebrating the cultural and artistic diversity that the circus represents. It is a symbol of unity and shared joy across borders. By honoring our craft, you are helping to keep alive an art form that continues to bring people together in a way that few other traditions can. To everyone who has ever stepped under the big top as a performer or sat in the audience as a dreamer, this award is for you, too. Thank you for believing in the magic.

We will continue to cherish and share circus for as long as we can. Thank you again for this extraordinary honor. May the magic of the circus continue to shine brightly across Europe and beyond. And as we always say at Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione: place au cirque !”

Sascha Melnjak, on behalf of Zirkus Charles Knie said the followings:

“Honoured guests, at the age of six, I went to a circus performance for the first time in my home town of Stuttgart. This breathtaking experience was to have consequences: The circus became my greatest passion and the centre of my life. How wonderful that the annual award of the Big Top label is an expression of the recognition that the European circus scene so richly deserves. It fills me with pride and gratitude that the Zirkus Charles Knie is receiving this prestigious honour today.

My thanks go to the committee of the Big Top label, which this year decided in our favour, and to my fantastic, long-standing team, for whom I am accepting the award on behalf of. Thank you very much!”

Are Arnardo owner and director of Cirkus Arnardo delivered the following speech:

“Distinguished guests, partners, and friends of the circus arts! It is an incredible honor to accept the prestigious Big Top Label award on behalf of Cirkus Arnardo. This recognition is more than just an award – it is a mark of quality and a celebration of the art of the circus. Founded by my grandfather, Arne Arnardo, Cirkus Arnardo has spent decades bringing joy, wonder, and connection to audiences across Norway. This award honors his vision and the dedication of everyone who has worked tirelessly to carry it forward. The Big Top Label inspires us to continue evolving while staying true to our traditions, ensuring that future generations experience the same magic that defines our art form.

Thank you to the Big Top Label Committee, to our incredible team, and to the audiences who make it all possible. This is a proud moment for Cirkus Arnardo, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you. Thank you for this honor.”

István Ujhelyi, founder of the BigTopLabel program and current EU Ambassador for UN Tourism, also delivered a speech, emphasizing that the initiative has proven its value and merits continuation. He recalled that in 2016, they set the goals of establishing the BigTopLabel certification and producing a comprehensive EU study on the state of European circus arts, which was completed in 2020 alongside the program’s launch. While no longer serving as an MEP, Ujhelyi stressed his commitment to advancing the BigTopLabel initiative. He outlined plans for collaboration with the new European Commission to expand the program and support circus arts more broadly.

Ujhelyi emphasized a long-term goal of fostering a supportive and advocacy-oriented community among certified circuses, thereby contributing to the sector’s ongoing development. “In today’s world, where hard work, diligence, and talent often receive less recognition, and where the rapidly changing dynamics of social media dominate attention, European circus arts, with their 250-year history, continue to bring joy to generations,” he said. “Circus arts exemplify acceptance, perseverance, and collaboration, values we must preserve.”

He concluded by reaffirming his support for the program, saying, “to be continued!”

“To be continued…” 🙂