Giardini Circensi - Contemporary Circus Festival
Contemporary circus invades the Estensi Gardens of Varese
About Giardini Circensi
New Circus in the Heart of Varese
Giardini Circensi is the contemporary circus festival that transforms the Estensi Gardens and the lawn of Villa Mirabello, in Varese, into an open-air stage. Shows, workshops, and meetings explore the language of new circus – one made of acrobatics, physical theatre, and poetry, far from the stereotypes of traditional circus.
A Project Born from Spazio Kabum
The festival is promoted by Spazio Kabum, a Varese-based organization that has used circus as a tool for expression, trust, and meeting for children, young people, families, and adults for years. The scenic heart of the event is the chapiteau, the Circo Madera big top erected in the park of Villa Mirabello, which hosts some of the main events.
Art, Community, and Inclusion
In addition to evening shows, Giardini Circensi offers circus workshops open to everyone, meetings, and round tables on the relationship between circus, education, and community. An inclusive vocation that is also reflected in dedicated offerings, for example, for people over 65. The event, held in Varese in the province and Lombardy Region, confirms the city as one of the hubs for contemporary circus in Northern Italy.
Giardini Circensi — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of Giardini Circensi takes place in Varese from May 8th to 10th, 2026, at the Estensi Gardens and on the lawn of Villa Mirabello. This edition is particularly significant as it celebrates the ten years of activity of the Spazio Kabum association.
The chapiteau of Circo Madera, set up in the park of Villa Mirabello, hosts some of the main shows. The program alternates evening performances, circus workshops, educational moments, and reflection meetings on the role of circus in the community.
Programme Giardini Circensi 2026
Friday, May 8th
- Afternoon — free circus workshops
- Evening — shows 'Frah!gile' by Davide Partinico and 'Maman aime beaucoup les fraises' by Nicola Bertazzoni (Circo Madera)
Saturday, May 9th
- Educational show at the Civic Archaeological Museum dedicated to the historic Zacchini family
- Afternoon — circus workshops and show 'Famiglia Carlucci' by Compagnia 3DiDanè
- Evening — Gran Cabaret Madera under the big top
Sunday, May 10th
- Workshop dedicated to people over 65
- Round table 'Circus between education and community'
Highlights Giardini Circensi 2026
Prices Giardini Circensi 2026
Practical information — Giardini Circensi
Where
The Estensi Gardens and the park of Villa Mirabello are located in the center of Varese. The Circo Madera big top is set up on the lawn of Villa Mirabello.
How to Get Here
Varese is reachable by train from Milan (Trenord) and by car from the A8 motorway. The gardens are a short walk from the city center.
Admission
Workshops and shows are free or by donation, with the exception of the evenings under the big top. For details on the schedule, consult the Spazio Kabum website.
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Where does it take place — Giardini Circensi
Giardini Estensi e parco di Villa Mirabello
Giardini Estensi, Via Sacco, 21100 Varese