The Mexican Circus

Before the Mexican carnival completely left Sayulita, the Mexican circus was up and running. It was definitely an experience an experience to remember, partially because of how odd it was. Everything was held in one tent. It was by no means small, but it was intimate enough for there to not be a bad seat in the whole tent. Cynhia and I sat really close, about 15 feet away from the stage.

The circus started 3 giant tigers. Their trainer was in the small, enclosed stage with them. It was scary to watch because they didn’t seem too friendly or thrilled to be there. I was worried for the trainer, but he has probably been working with them since they were babies. It was such an exciting and engaging way to start the circus off. The tigers did all sorts of tricks, and even jumped through a ring of fire!

The 3 "tigres" and their trainer. 

Jumping through the ring of fire. 

...And she made it!

After the tigers left, a bunch of men quickly took down fence that had kept the tigers away from the audience. I could hardly believe my eyes. The men effortlessly took it apart in about 5 minutes. If it was so easy for them to disassemble, I don’t think it would have been that hard for the tigers to break down. Only in Mexico…

A few men effortlessly taking down tiger enclosure. 

I am so happy the circus didn't end in disaster 

with us as tiger dinner!

After the tigers, we were excited for the rest of the acts. I mean, how do you top that? The answer is, you don’t. The tigers were hands down the best part of the entire circus. It should have been the finale, and I cannot figure out why they started with that act. The rest of the circus consisted of parading horses around, creepy clowns, and a gymnast. The grand finale was so anti-climactic. A man paraded donkeys around the stage. They weren’t cooperating so he just said, “that’s all,” and the audience just got up and left. There was not applause or anything. Cynhia and I were left scratching our heads, saying, “that was it? It’s over?”

The gymnast was very talented and

made the most beautiful poses.

This was by far the strangest part of the circus. 

Why would donkeys ever do this? 

Whose brilliant idea was it to train them to do this?

Watching the animals was also a little difficult. Although it was cool to see exotic animals like tigers, they should not spend their lives in a circus, completely devoid of any time in nature. I left feeling sorry for them and guilty for condoning it.