From 16 to 25 January 2026, the 48th International Circus Arts Festival took place in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco — one of the most prestigious and respected events in the global circus community, held annually since 1974.
A delegation from the State Circus of Turkmenistan attended the festival as honored guests. The delegation included Serdar Pygyev, head of the “Galkynyş” Group of National Equestrian Performances of the Akhal-Teke Presidential Horse Complex and Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan, as well as Serdar Gurbangulyev, Director General of the State Circus of Turkmenistan.
During a formal ceremony held as part of the festival program, representatives of the Turkmen delegation received international certificates from the World Circus Federation (WCF) and the European Circus Association. The awards were presented in recognition of the significant contribution made by the “Galkynyş” Group of National Equestrian Performances to the development and popularization of circus arts worldwide.
The Monte Carlo International Circus Festival traditionally aims to preserve and promote circus traditions, broaden public interest in the art form, discover new talent, and strengthen international cultural ties. Each year the event brings together performers from dozens of countries across all continents.
The “Galkynyş” Group of the Akhal-Teke Presidential Horse Complex was established in 2007 on the initiative of National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Over the years the ensemble has repeatedly represented Turkmenistan at major international venues and earned a number of prestigious awards.
Most notably, in 2025 the group delivered a successful performance at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, where it was awarded the Grand Prix along with several special prizes. Earlier achievements include the Grand Prix at the “IDOL” World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow (2013), the XVI International Circus Festival in Latina, Italy (2014), the II International Circus Arts Festival in the People’s Republic of China (2015), and the II World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic (2016). In 2018 the group received the Golden Gaetano statuette at the inaugural International Circus Festival “Na Fontanke” in St. Petersburg. ///nCa, 26 January 2026