The European Juggling Convention (EJC) is the largest annual gathering of contemporary circus enthusiasts, held each summer in a different European country. Spanning an entire week, it’s a vibrant celebration of skill, creativity, and community. The EJC is the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about the circus arts, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds—families, individuals, beginners, and seasoned performers alike. It’s a colorful, respectful, and inspiring event, brimming with camaraderie and unforgettable entertainment.
Despite its name, the EJC is far more than a juggling convention. It embraces the entire spectrum of contemporary circus disciplines, including unicycling, acrobatics, fire juggling, hula hooping, magic, balloon artistry, tight wire, music and much much more. As a collaborative celebration of skill and creativity, the EJC welcomes participants to share, learn, and connect with others in the circus arts community. For those who dare to push their limits, the convention also features competitive events, adding an exciting edge to this kaleidoscope of talent and artistry. Whether you come to practice, perform, compete, or simply be amazed, the EJC is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the circus arts.
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"As a juggler, I'm grateful for the EJA and evertything they do behind the scenes to make these gatherings possible for all of us."
Juggler #1
Public Events
The European Juggling Convention (EJC) transforms the host city into a hub of vibrant entertainment, offering a week filled with captivating performances and lively displays of creativity. With public events designed to engage and inspire, the EJC invites locals and visitors alike to experience the magic of juggling and contemporary circus in unique and unexpected ways. It’s a celebration of artistry and community that brings joy to all who encounter it.
Gala Show
The Gala Show is the crown jewel of the EJC’s public events, offering a spectacular evening of world-class juggling and contemporary circus artistry. Designed to captivate audiences beyond the juggling community, this high-class production welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience the awe-inspiring talent of performers from around the world. It’s a night of elegance, excitement, and unforgettable entertainment.
Street Shows
Throughout the week of the EJC, the city’s streets and squares come alive with the magic of Street Shows. These performances bring jugglers, circus artists, and street performers to central public spaces, creating a dynamic and engaging connection with local residents. Each show is a unique celebration of creativity, inviting everyone to stop, watch, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Parade
The EJC Parade is a vibrant procession through the heart of the host city, designed to turn heads and spark curiosity. Bursting with color, energy, and creative costumes, the parade celebrates the presence of the juggling community while inviting locals to join in the fun. It’s a joyful demonstration of the EJC’s spirit, leaving a lasting impression on residents and participants alike.
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"Seeing our town come alive with artists and visitors is inspiring – it's a reminder of how much culture and creativity bring to our comunity."
Mayor #1
Convention Site
The European Juggling Convention (EJC) offers an incredible variety of infrastructure designed to create a world-class experience for its participants. From expansive practice spaces and workshops for all skill levels to bustling marketplaces, vibrant social areas, and spaces for exploration and discovery, the EJC is a playground for creativity and connection. And that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered, making every visit to the EJC an unforgettable adventure.
Gym
The gym is the heart of the EJC, a central hub that operates 24/7 throughout the week. It serves as the primary training space for jugglers of all skill levels, offering shelter during bad weather and essential amenities like restrooms. Inside, you’ll also find the registration and information desks, as well as the workshop wall—a sprawling schedule of workshops covering every juggling discipline imaginable.
Big Top
The big top is the centerpiece for performances, hosting a range of captivating shows during the convention. Attendees can enjoy the creativity and talent on display during the ‘open stage’ for anyone to perform, the curated ‘special stage,’ and the grand ‘gala show,’ which features top-tier performances by world-class artists.
Camping and Caravan Site
The camping and caravan areas provide the main accommodation for attendees, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. These spaces are typically divided into family-friendly, silent, and party zones to suit different preferences. Many attendees cook their meals here, making it a lively and sociable part of the convention.
Fire Space
The fire space is a magical area that comes to life after dark, where participants perform fire juggling under the night sky. It’s a mesmerizing spectacle of flames, skill, and creativity, drawing both jugglers and spectators to its warm and hypnotic glow.
Areal Space
The aerial space is a dedicated area for aerial acrobats to practice and perform on apparatus like ropes, silks, hoops, and trapezes. It offers the perfect setup for both beginners and advanced aerialists to train in a safe and inspiring environment. Spectators often stop by to watch the graceful and daring moves high above the ground, adding an extra dimension of awe to the convention.
Music and Bar Tent
Evenings at the convention are electrified by the music and party tent, where live bands and DJs keep the energy high. It’s the perfect place to let loose, dance, and celebrate with fellow attendees after a day of juggling and workshops.
Renegade Tent
The renegade tent is the late-night stage for bold and unconventional performances. Here, participants push boundaries with incredible tricks, experimental acts, and comedic routines, often fueled by the relaxed and unpredictable energy of the crowd.