International Clown Festival – Cornellà, Spain 2025

Background and History

The International Clown Festival of Cornellà (Festival Internacional de Pallassos de Cornellà), established in 1982, is a biennial event honoring the legacy of Catalan clown Charlie Rivel. Held in Cornellà de Llobregat, Catalonia, it is one of Europe’s premier clown festivals, recognized for showcasing top international and local clown artists. The festival, supported by the Cornellà City Council, attracts thousands with over 70 performances, emphasizing laughter, community, and artistry, particularly for school audiences, as noted on www.turismobaixllobregat.com and www.escapadaambnens.com.

The 2025 edition, the 22nd, will celebrate 85+ artists from 47 companies across countries like France, Canada, the USA, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Scotland, and Australia, with a notable focus on female clowns (22 performances).

Theme and Focus

The 2025 festival focuses on the art of clowning, blending humor, physical comedy, and theatrical innovation. It promotes inclusivity with family-friendly shows, professional workshops, and community engagement, including performances for schools and a solidarity gala for local charities. The program highlights diverse clowning styles, from classic to contemporary, with an emphasis on female performers and international talent, per www.festivalpallassos.cat.

Event Highlights

The International Clown Festival 2025, running October 19–27, features over 70 performances across Cornellà de Llobregat:

• Key Performances (2024 examples, 2025 TBD):
  • Gran Reserva (Rhum & Cia): Clowning tribute to Charlie Rivel, Auditori de Cornellà.
  • Nuova Barberia Carloni (Teatro Necessario, Italy): Interactive comedy for ages 7+, Auditori de Cornellà.
  • Gala Solidaria with Big Smiles: Charity show supporting local causes, venue TBD.
• Program Sections:
  • Professional Shows: High-caliber performances by 47 companies (e.g., France’s Cie Les GüMs, Canada’s Les Foutoukours).
  • School Performances: Tailored shows for students at local schools.
  • Street Performances: Free shows in plazas like Plaza de Catalunya.
  • Workshops: Clowning and circus skills for all ages (details TBD).
  • Solidarity Events: Gala Solidaria raises funds for local charities.
• Female Clown Focus: 22 performances by women, showcasing diversity in clowning.
• Family-Friendly: Many shows suit ages 3–103, with interactive elements like juggling and acrobatics.

Awards

The festival does not feature competitive awards but honors Charlie Rivel’s legacy through curated performances and special recognitions, such as tributes to notable clowns. Selected artists gain exposure for international tours, as per www.escapadaambnens.com.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: October 19–27, 2025 (confirmed by www.festivalpallassos.cat, biennial schedule).
• Duration: 9 days.
• Ticket Sales: From September 2025 via www.festivalpallassos.cat and www.entradascornella.cat.
• Program Release: Expected August 2025 on www.festivalpallassos.cat.

Main Address

• Primary Venue: L’Auditori de Cornellà, Carrer Albert Einstein, 51, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

All Venues

• L’Auditori de Cornellà: Carrer Albert Einstein, 51, 08940 Cornellà (main venue, capacity ~600, professional shows like Gran Reserva).
• Carpa de la Plaza de Catalunya: Plaza de Catalunya, 08940 Cornellà (circus tent, free and ticketed street performances).
• Teatre de Guerrilla: Carrer de la Verge, s/n, 08940 Cornellà (alternative performances, capacity ~200).
• Public Plazas: Plaza de l’Església, Plaza de la Sardana (free street shows).
• Local Schools: School-specific performances (TBD, closed to the public).
• Note: Venues are walkable within Cornellà’s center (5–15 minutes). Check www.festivalpallassos.cat for exact locations.

Contact Information

• Administrative Office: Ajuntament de Cornellà, Plaça de l’Església, 1, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
• Phone: +34 933 77 02 02 (Cornellà City Council, festival inquiries).
• Email: cultura@aj-cornella.cat (festival-specific email TBD).
• Website: www.festivalpallassos.cat
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivalpallassos
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/festivalpallassos
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/festpallassos
• Tourist Info: www.turismobaixllobregat.com, www.catalunya.com
• Ticket Inquiries: www.entradascornella.cat, cultura@aj-cornella.cat

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD, based on 2024 from www.entradascornella.cat, 2025 TBD):
  • Gran Reserva (Rhum & Cia): €16 ($17.60) advance, €18 ($19.80) box office, €14 ($15.40) under 25, €10 ($11) over 65, €9 ($9.90) children 3–12.
  • Nuova Barberia Carloni: €16 ($17.60) advance, recommended for ages 7+.
  • Gala Solidaria with Big Smiles: €6 ($6.60) adults/children (2+).
  • Other Shows: €5–€18 ($5.50–$19.80, depending on venue/show).
  • Free Events: Street performances and select school shows (no tickets required).
  • Festival Pass: TBD (~€30–€50/$33–$55, may include multiple shows).
• Discounts:
  • Under 25: ~10–20% off (e.g., €14/$15.40 for Gran Reserva).
  • Over 65: ~30–40% off (e.g., €10/$11 for Gran Reserva).
  • Children (3–12): ~40–50% off (e.g., €9/$9.90 for Gran Reserva).
  • Groups (10+): TBD (~€5–€10/$5.50–$11 per ticket).
• Purchase Information:
  • Online: www.entradascornella.cat, www.festivalpallassos.cat (from September 2025).
  • On-Site: L’Auditori de Cornellà box office (Carrer Albert Einstein, 51, hours TBD, typically 17:00–20:00), Plaza de Catalunya ticket booth.
  • Notes: Advance tickets save ~10%. Free street shows require early arrival for space. Check www.festivalpallassos.cat in August 2025 for confirmed prices.

Clarification on the India Festival

The provided data included details about the International Clown Festival – India, produced by Martin Flubber D’Souza, which is unrelated to the Cornellà event. The India festival, managed by Lighthouse Entertainment, focuses on family entertainment in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with contact details (+91 99870 82088, martin@lighthouseworld.co.in, www.clownfestindia.com). The Cornellà festival is a distinct event in Catalonia, Spain, with no connection to the India festival.

Cultural Experience

The International Clown Festival transforms Cornellà de Llobregat into a hub of laughter and creativity, celebrating Charlie Rivel’s legacy. From the grand Auditori de Cornellà to vibrant street performances in Plaza de Catalunya, it offers a mix of classic clowning, physical comedy, and modern circus arts. Visitors can explore Cornellà’s local markets or enjoy Catalan cuisine like escalivada between shows, immersing in Catalonia’s vibrant culture, as per www.turismobaixllobregat.com.

Food and Drinks

• Escalivada: Roasted vegetables (~$6.60). Try at Restaurant La Llar (Carrer de la Verge, 15, 08940 Cornellà).
• Pa amb Tomàquet: Bread with tomato (~$3.30). At Bar El Racó (Plaza de l’Església, 5, 08940 Cornellà).
• Calçots amb Romesco: Grilled onions with sauce (~$8.80). At Cal Tuset (Carrer de la Riera, 10, 08940 Cornellà).
• Cava: Catalan sparkling wine (~$5.50/glass). At La Taverna del Cava (Carrer Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer, 30, 08940 Cornellà).
• Crema Catalana: Custard dessert (~$4.40). At Restaurant El Celler (Carrer de Sant Jeroni, 20, 08940 Cornellà). Visit Plaza de l’Església for dining near festival venues.

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Shows like Nuova Barberia Carloni (ages 7+) and Gala Solidaria (ages 2+) are ideal for families. Children’s discounts (e.g., €9/$9.90 for Gran Reserva). Free street shows suit all ages.
• Accessibility: L’Auditori de Cornellà is wheelchair-accessible. Plaza de Catalunya and other outdoor venues have flat terrain but may have uneven surfaces. Contact cultura@aj-cornella.cat for accommodations. Cornellà’s streets are mostly accessible.

Getting There

• By Air: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN, 10 km, ~$16.50 taxi or $2.20 metro to Cornellà Centre). Madrid (MAD, 600 km, $110 train).
• By Train: Cornellà Centre (FGC, L8, Barcelona ~20 min, $2.20). Renfe from Barcelona Sants (~15 min, $2.20). Walk 5–10 minutes to the Auditorium.
• By Bus: TMB buses (67, 68, $1.65) or ALSA from Barcelona (~30 min, $3.30) to Cornellà Centre.
• By Car: AP-2 or C-31 to Cornellà. Park near Plaza de Catalunya (~$1.10–$2.20/day). Note ZTL restrictions.
• Public Transport: Metro (L5, Cornellà Centre, $2.20), FGC (L8), or buses (67, 68) to venues. Walkable within Cornellà.

Program Overview

• October 19–27, 2025 (based on 2024, 2025 TBD):
  • Opening Day (October 19): Opening gala at L’Auditori de Cornellà (e.g., Gran Reserva, TBD).
  • Professional Shows: Daily at L’Auditori de Cornellà and Teatre de Guerrilla (e.g., Nuova Barberia Carloni).
  • Street Performances: Free shows in Plaza de Catalunya, Plaza de l’Església, Plaza de la Sardana.
  • School Performances: Weekday shows in local schools (closed to public).
  • Gala Solidaria: Charity event, likely mid-festival, venue TBD (~€6/$6.60).
  • Workshops: Clowning and circus skills, venues TBD.
  • Closing Day (October 27): Final performances and tribute to Charlie Rivel.
• Note: Full 2025 program TBD; check www.festivalpallassos.cat in August 2025.

Notable Features

• Charlie Rivel Legacy: Honors the iconic Catalan clown.
• Female Clowns: 22 performances by women, promoting diversity.
• International Talent: 47 companies from 8+ countries.
• Family-Friendly: Shows for ages 2–103, with affordable tickets.
• Solidarity: Gala Solidaria supports local charities.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel Campanile Barcelona Sud: Carrer del Progrés, 17, 08940 Cornellà (~$55–$110/night), near Auditori.
• Novotel Barcelona Cornellà: Av. del Maresme, 78, 08940 Cornellà (~$66–$132/night), modern.
• Hostal Cornellà: Carrer de la Riera, 20, 08940 Cornellà (~$33–$66/night), budget-friendly. Book early for October, as Cornellà fills during the festival. Check www.turismobaixllobregat.com.

Planning Assistance

• Recommendations: Attend Gran Reserva at L’Auditori de Cornellà for a professional show. Catch free street performances in Plaza de Catalunya. Join the Gala Solidaria for a charitable experience. Explore Cornellà’s markets post-show.
• Navigating Tickets: Buy advance tickets from September 2025 at www.entradascornella.cat to save ~10%. Free street shows require no tickets, but early arrival. Gala Solidaria tickets (~$6.60) are affordable.
• Exploring Cornellà: Visit Parc de Can Mercader (10-minute walk) or enjoy pa amb tomàquet at Bar El Racó. Take FGC to Barcelona (20 min) for a day trip.
• Tips: Dress for mild October weather (~15°C/59°F). Allow 15 minutes between venues. Monitor www.festivalpallassos.cat for updates (August 2025).