The International Clownbaret Festival returns to the Canary Islands from 30 September to 25 October with 74 performances across 12 venues
Twenty years of clowns is quite an achievement.
The International Clownbaret Festival (FIC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this autumn with a major edition running from 30 September to 25 October across the Canary Islands.
This year’s festival will feature 74 performances, 17 national and international companies and venues ranging from theatres to other well-known cultural spaces.
Among the names taking part are Peter Shub, Compagnie La Liberté, Paul Morocco and Peter Ercolano.
Twenty years of making people laugh
The official poster for FIC 2026 has been created by artist María Pulido, known for her work on the Goya-winning animated film Mariposas Negras.
The design goes back to the basics of the clown, using a deliberately naive illustration style to mark the festival’s 20th anniversary.
According to artistic director Brian Rodríguez, the image reflects the essence of FIC and its slightly ridiculous, wonderfully theatrical world.
Which seems appropriate.
Cabaret FIC XX comes to La Laguna
One of the main events will be Cabaret FIC XX, taking place on 3 October at Teatro Leal in La Laguna.
The show will bring together Peter Shub, Peter Ercolano, Wilbur, José Luis Redondo and La Churry, with a mixture of clowning and comedy celebrating two decades of the festival.
Tickets are already available through Tickety.es.
Learn from a professional clown
If watching clowns isn’t enough and you fancy having a go yourself, Peter Shub will also lead an intensive workshop called Make Them Laugh.
The 12-hour workshop takes place on 6, 7 and 8 October, from 17:00 to 21:00, at Espacio La Granja in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
It will focus on practical exercises covering presence, rhythm, observation and improvisation, and is aimed at people aged 18 and over.
Registrations are open through Tickety.es.
A festival with a long history
FIC has become one of the Canary Islands’ established events for clowning and circus, combining performances from international artists with opportunities for audiences to get involved.
The 2026 edition is supported by the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Ministry of Culture, and is organised by Lasal Producciones and Clownbaret.
Twenty years is a decent innings for any festival.
Twenty years of deliberately falling over, pulling stupid faces and making people laugh is arguably even better.