A high-flying end-of-summer tradition brings daring feats and free fun to Letná

As the summer winds down, the Czech capital ushers in an end-of-season tradition: the Letní Letná new circus festival. This annual celebration of homegrown and international circus talent is set to wow audiences from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 in the lush Letenské sady park.

"Last year, we celebrated the anniversary together with the audience and the artists, and we are happy that this year we will celebrate the birthdays of the ensembles that have been constants of our festival since the beginning of their existence," says festival director Jiří Turek.

Indeed, this year’s Letní Letná features two Czech circus companies marking significant milestones. Cirque La Putyka will present their legendary production La Putyka for its 15th anniversary, while Losers Cirque Company celebrates ten years with a notable one-time-only Losers-Special Edition performance.

“Losers Cirque Company has connected almost all of their premieres with Letní Letná and presented the first of them exactly ten years ago,” Turek notes. “For their fans, they are preparing an original performance, to which they have invited more than 40 acrobats who have been with the company in the past 10 years.”

In addition to these anniversary showcases, the festival will debut two brand-new Czech circus productions.

“Spectators can expect two Czech premieres as part of this year’s program,” Turek says. “Jan Jirák is the author of the title ONtestosterON, a story connected with many social stereotypes of the male world. Ivana Kolcunová’s solo PřistiŽENA is a personal statement, a record of courage and transformation.”

Beyond the main program, Letní Letná offers a wealth of other circus delights. The Gala Show will highlight various disciplines while the beloved Circus Miniatures and Teens Cirkabaret performances return. Families can also enjoy the festival’s free open-air stage and accompanying programs and several relaxation zones, refreshment stands, and bars are open to all.

As the sun sets on summer in Prague, the stage is set for the city’s circus stars to shine. The 21st Letní Letná festival promises to send off the season with a mix of established troupes and up-and-coming talent. A free opening party with DJ starts the festivities at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.