Cabaret, acrobatics, and more at Trapezi circus festival in Reus

For the coming days, the southern Catalan town of Reus has been converted into a hub of circus activity. The 22^nd edition of Trapezi, the Circus Fair of Catalonia, kicked off with a cabaret show involving Finnish, German, Italian, and Catalan artists showing off their bare skills. There was acrobatics, balancing acts, and juggling.

According to the artistic director of the event, Leandro Mendoza, Trapezi allows “international people to know Catalan circus,” but also gives Catalan circus a reference at an “international level.”

Until Sunday May 13, “the streets and theatres of the town are filled with shows, the squares become performing spaces and Reus is transformed into a circus ring,” according to organizers.

Indeed, back in 2007, the then Catalan government granted the artistic directors behind the event with “the National Prize in recognition of their contribution to strengthening and developing the circus in Catalonia,” the Trapezi website explains. It has even become a “benchmark festival” within Europe.

International presence

This year’s edition has more international presence. Trapezi is a showcase for homegrown and international talent. All types of circus disciplines can be enjoyed, “from the mixture of contemporary circus with traditional, the mix of dance with theatrics,” explained Mendoza. Throughout the event, a total of 32 companies will take part with around 100 different activities for the public to enjoy.

Bigger budget

For budget for Trapezi for this year has been increased by 50,000 euros to a total of 430,600 euros. Hopes are high at the box office as well, with expectations for