circus

The Circo de Renato has been in town for about a week now. I've been twice. I've even written an article about it and researched the treatment of animals in circuses. There's something about the circus that is so fascinating.

I can't get my head around the lifestyle: moving from city to city with a caravan of performers and exotic animals; performing twice a day every day for 12 months!

Many of the performers told me they were born in the circus. It's all they know. It's their family.

I learned that the Circo de Renato has a certified teacher travel with them so that the circus' kids will have an education.

The ringleader, Renato (pictured below backstage), took over this particular circus in 1975. His two young boys have a trampoline act and his beautiful wife is one of the opening acts.

Some call Renato the Best Clown in the World. He is amazing. He designed the show and plays a part in the most dangerous, exciting acts. He is a trapeze artist, animal trainer, comic, musician and brave enough to drive one of three motorcycles in the great, metal Cage of Death.

He said he was sad to see fewer animals in circuses today. He said this makes the circus a less magical experience.

Performing animals is a sensitive subject. Google it and you undoubtedly get page after page of PETA-like websites calling for the end of all animal use in circuses. I disagree.

Too often I think people jump to conclusions such as "whips is evil," "the tricks animals do are painful or unnatural" or "circus animals are unhealthy." These simply aren't fair observations for EVERY circus. To read more on this from an expert click HERE.

In conclusion, I love the circus. And in Latin America it provides a place for people who are interested in more than just soccer to explore and express their interests. It exposes people to exotic animals, a variety of music and alternatives to playing soccer and clubbing.