The circus is coming to town.
Circus Vazquez is returning to its hometown to kick off its national tour in February. With new productions up their sleeves, the family-owned circus is bringing a new cast of international circus superstars.
The tour will begin Feb. 10 and run through Feb. 27 in Donna and later move to Palms Crossing in McAllen from March 3 to March 19.
The Texas-based company is run by the five Vazquez brothers: Jose, Ramon, Aldo, Jesus and Memo.
They are third-generation circus owners who have passed down the tradition to their children.
“We’ve been a part of circus tradition for more than 50 years already,” said Alexa Vazquez, 28, a fourth-generation performer who began performing in the circus at the age of 15. “It’s something that is very unique and it’s just very special to see many generations of my family go through this.”
Each of the family members take part in the show in one way or another.
Jose, Alexa’s father, is in charge of the marketing department. Ramon is in charge of casting while Aldo is in charge of the set up of the tent. Jesus runs the concession stands.
Alexa and her uncle, Memo, both perform in the show. Memo plays the role of Ring Master and Alexa does an aerialist performance
“It’s a surprise, definitely,” Alexa said with a laugh. “I like to keep my performances a surprise. I think it’s more fun for the audience and my family in general. They never know what I’m about to do.”
Although the company originally began 54 years ago in Mexico City, the five brothers brought Circus Vazquez to the Rio Grande Valley and made the city of Donna its home. Over the years they have continued to change and adapt the show to new audiences.
In fact, each show is planned a year in advance with different performers.
“We always make sure that every year that we start the season all the artists are different because we do visit some of the same places year-round, so we want to make sure you guys are seeing something different,” Alexa said.
This year’s show includes jugglers, motorcyclists, trapeze artists and other artists, including Alexa’s favorite act of the show: the Nicolodi Brothers — an Italian duo.
“Most of the acts are full of adrenaline this year. They have a lot of high impact acts,” Alexa said. “You’re immersing yourself in a world of fun. You’re forgetting about your problems outside and you’re seeing the magic that is flying up in the air.”
Although not wanting to give away much of the show, Alexa described the show to be full of family, laughter and food.
Tickets for the show can be purchased at circusvazquez.com or at the box office, which will be open a week before the first show.
Tickets start at $20 for children and $35 for adults with senior military and disabled rates available.
