Some nights, history is made under a red and white big top. On Wednesday, 6 May 2026, following a performance atop the Citadelle de Namur, Nicolas Bouglione received the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ designation from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Among the dozen or so permanent circuses active in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Cirque Nicolas Bouglione is the first to achieve this individual recognition. The designation honours a specific expertise: that of the traditional touring circus, passed down through generations for nearly two centuries within the Bouglione dynasty.
A heritage award for an animal-free Brussels circus
This recognition didn’t come out of the blue. It echoes the February 2021 inclusion of the ‘Arts and culture of the traditional travelling circus in Europe’ on UNESCO’s Representative List. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation is now choosing to honour, in person and under the big top, those who bring this heritage to life daily—for a loyal Belgian audience of families, children, and grandparents.
It is also a victory for a 100% animal-free circus, where the magic relies entirely on human talent: magic, aerial acrobatics, and performances combining fire and pole acts.
Where is the Bouglione circus performing right now?
The good news: there’s no need to wait. The big top is set up at the Scandiano car park in Tubize, and the 2026 show—exclusively featuring the duo Matteo & Lusesita (from the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione in Paris) and the duo Solis (guests from Barnum Circus)—is running until Sunday, 31 May inclusive.
Final dates for 2026 in Tubize:
- Friday 29 May · 6 p.m. (Family Day)
- Saturday 30 May · 2:30 p.m. & 5:15 p.m. (Family Day)
- Sunday 31 May · 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
🎟️ Official box office: shop.utick.net — Nicolas Bouglione
What are the next tour dates for the Bouglione circus?
The family has not yet officially announced their next stop after Tubize on their official website. Fans can follow the full schedule at nicolasbouglione.be—and the 2026 Christmas tour in Rocourt (Liège) is traditionally announced in the autumn.
🔗 Sources & Verifiable Links
- BX1 — Cirque Nicolas Bouglione recognised as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ of the FWB
- La Libre — Designation awarded atop the Citadelle de Namur
- BruxellesToday — Bouglione Circus recognised as intangible heritage
- Nicolas Bouglione — official site & Tubize 2026 box office
- UNESCO — Arts and culture of the traditional travelling circus in Europe (2021)
— Ketje, urban culture & living heritage correspondent 🛹
Confirmed: The Christmas Circus returns to Place Flagey
The Bouglione family has confirmed its next Brussels dates: the traditional Grand Cirque de Noël (Great Christmas Circus) will pitch its big top on Place Flagey in Ixelles, from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
- 📍 Location: Place Eugène Flagey, 1050 Ixelles
- 🗓️ Dates: 12 December 2026 → 3 January 2027
- 🎪 Show: Le Grand Cirque de Noël (annual edition)
Article updated on 28 May 2026 — Atomium correspondent.
How to get tickets for the Bouglione Christmas circus?
- 🌐 Official Website: https://alexandrebouglione.be/fr/
- 🎫 Online Box Office (tickets on sale soon, tracking page): https://www.ticketmaster.be/artist/cirque-alexandre-bouglione-billets/947091
Stay informed via Ticketmaster or the official website for ticket sales announcements.
Good news: the circus was not affected by the fire
Following numerous messages of concern, the Bouglione family posted a reassuring message on their official Instagram account at 1 p.m.:
“The circus and our team were not affected by the fire. Everything is fine with us, and this weekend’s shows are confirmed to go ahead (starting from Friday). A huge thank you to everyone for your kindness and support! ❤️🙏”
This is also the very last weekend before the summer break—the perfect opportunity to see the show under the big top of Belgium’s favourite circus.
📱 Official Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DY2O1UWM-Rk/
Update 28 May 2026 — Atomium correspondent.
