Cirque du Soleil raises 'Luzia' big top in L'Hospitalet

A small army of around 100 workers raised the big top on Wednesday in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat where Cirque du Soleil will perform their Mexican-inspired show 'Luzia' from March 17 to April 10.

The tent measuring 19 meters high and 51 meters in diameter will take eight days to fully assemble at the site close to Bellvitge Hospital. More than 500 poles will keep the giant marquee grounded.

'Luzia', described as a "waking dream" inspired by "the people, places, and stories that define Mexico," will be the second Cirque du Soleil show that L'Hospitalet hosts, after 'Totem' in 2018. In fact, the city – adjacent to Barcelona – will act as the contemporary circus troupe's southern European headquarters until 2030.

There are huge logistical challenges moving a show like 'Luzia' around, explained Lucía Herrero, administration coordinator, as the tent was raised behind her.

It involves traveling with 65 trucks carrying 2,000 tonnes of material and equipment. Then there's the team, which consists of 43 artists, 37 technicians and 25 administrators.

Restarting again after the pandemic has been a very complicated process, Herrero said. After a six-week run in London, she said they were looking forward to showing off 'Luzia' to the Barcelona audience, somewhere they "have always felt very welcome."

'Luzia' runs in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat until April 10 before moving to Geneva, Alacant (Alicante) and Madrid.