The 10^th jubilee edition of the Mini Art Fest contemporary circus festival has opened in the centre of Sofia, next to the Earth and People Museum.

The event opened on 2 October with Paul Keaton’s “Freaks”, a show of movement, manipulation and magic.

The guests from abroad include Manuela Maria Gaona and Wanagi Valnei, or duo Masawa who will present V.O.G.O.T, a show for all five senses, a blend of dance and acrobatics.

The festival focuses on contemporary circus art – its mechanisms and the messages it conveys to city audiences. Traditional circus has been ceding ground and giving way to self-absorption and to contemplation of its own survival.

Within the frameworks of the festival, which will go on until 18 October, visitors will also be able to see an eccentric, meditative exhibition Clothes for Transcendence. The concept is by British artist Nicholas McArthur, and the photographs are by Geo Kalev who is Bulgarian.

The event will be accompanied by a diverse musical programme, unicycle workshops, glass balance, acro yoga and juggling.