When the morning performance began with the Rayitos de Sol circus, the San Carlos cinema in Morón wasn’t at full capacity, but it looked immense. And indeed, the laughter, applause and quality of the show guaranteed its success.
Children and adults alike, captivated for over an hour of pure magic in each act, let themselves be carried away by the emotion that drives circus performances. Many held their breath when Maikiel ascended the aerial silk, performing twists and stretches from over ten metres high, secured by his ankles with the nonchalance of someone lounging on a sofa watching the world go by.
The audience shuddered with delight during the «Muñeca» act with Janeisy and Alexa, when the small girl emerged perfectly characterised from a tiny box, moving with astonishing synchronisation with her counterpart.
When jugglers display coherent, organic and precise body language, the scene takes on a special quality, transforming the circus into fertile imaginative ground. The audience’s creativity is unleashed, always having the final word – awestruck and happy.
This was precisely the effect achieved by the male trio in their «Los zombies» act, whose beauty conveyed tenderness. Their synchronicity, flexibility, expressiveness and gestures earned unanimous applause.
Equally beautiful was witnessing the camaraderie and artistic commitment when three or four performers pulled ropes to hoist rings or silks to the ceiling for the most thrilling and appreciated acts. No one complains; they embrace their group role and contribute to the enjoyment of those performing above.
Music also plays a leading role in the circus, reaching spectacular moments with Rayitos, particularly when evoking memories of bygone eras («Aro volante»), lost friendships («Muñeca»), or life’s challenges («Equilibrio con copas»).
Not once did the audience leave their seats. Neither heat nor power outages interfered. The applause served as fuel to keep the circus arts alive – arts so humble they require only public attention and wonder to thrive.
The show concluded by celebrating Rayitos de Sol’s 12 awards from the recently concluded XIX International Festival of Young Circus Enthusiasts. The San Carlos cinema became a showcase of their unquestionable artistry, surpassing even their previous achievements. In 2024, Rayitos also won several awards, and in 2025, they made history.
Final applause, minutes before announcing the afternoon performance with Camagüey’s Areíto and Granma’s circus, also honoured Juan Alberto Iglesias for his company’s 44th anniversary on 20 May.
The afternoon at Ciego de Ávila’s Cine Carmen was no less colourful.
Polichinela Puppet Theatre’s «Soñando en colores» filled the first hour. Four clown girls on stage got everyone dancing, making fun spread throughout the venue. Even adults had to demonstrate their skills.
Only the microphone distribution caused issues – with insufficient mics for all performers, though their voices projected well, challenging when facing such large crowds…
Once again, the cinema overflowed with spectators. As in old times, despite the heat, the audience remained happy and amazed. No one left disappointed, making the applause and ovations more than mere sounds – true companions to artistic quality.
Magician Ankiel Jiménez López proved once more his bright future in Cuban magic, alongside Havana Circus School students whose juggling, dancing and contortions transported us from routine and tedium.
The 5 pm show featured Camagüey’s Areíto and Granma’s circus, igniting joy with juggling, clown acts, performing dogs, spinning squares, hoops and contortionists – all blending into the unique magic that only Circávila can provide in this currently enchanted city of porticoes.
This Sunday concludes the IX edition of this resurrected event that finally fulfils its essential purpose: magnifying circus arts.
Written by Vasily MP
