Palma’s streets became a stage for acrobats, jugglers and spectacular circus performances Credit: Facebook/PalmaCultura
Palma’s streets became a stage for acrobats, jugglers and spectacular circus performances last weekend as the city welcomed the sixth edition of Palma Circ.
The free two-day festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, bringing contemporary circus to public spaces across the Mallorcan capital and offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment without paying for a ticket.
From daytime performances in city squares to a fiery evening spectacle and a showcase featuring young circus performers, the event celebrated the creativity and variety of modern circus.
Acrobats and performers take over Palma
Saturday’s programme began at Plaça de Francesc Garcia i Orell, where three performances introduced audiences to different styles of circus throughout the morning.
The shows, Génesis, Jump y Olé and Mongolia Legacy, were scheduled for 11am, noon and 1pm respectively, filling the square with a programme designed to bring the performing arts into the heart of the city.
Rather than confining the action to a traditional circus tent, Palma Circ used familiar public spaces as stages, allowing passers-by and families to enjoy the performances as part of their weekend in the city.
Fire and light bring the night alive
One of the weekend’s standout attractions was Circ de Nit, which took place at Plaça de Pere Garau at 9pm on Saturday.
Titled Vórtice, fuego y luz en movimiento, the evening spectacle combined movement, fire and light in a performance designed to offer a more dramatic take on contemporary circus.
The night-time show added another dimension to the festival, with the programme extending beyond traditional daytime entertainment to include a striking visual performance.
Young talent takes centre stage
Sunday’s activities moved to Ses Voltes, where the programme began with Circ Obert, a showcase dedicated to circus schools and their students.
Running from 11.30am to 12.30pm, the session offered young performers an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and share their enthusiasm for the art form.
The day continued with a series of performances, beginning with Dynamic Explosion at 1pm, followed by Circular Circus at 4pm and Soul of Art at 5pm.
The festival concluded with Gran Hotel at 6pm, bringing two days of circus entertainment to a close.
Free entertainment for all ages
With performances spread across three locations, Palma Circ offered a way to experience the city’s cultural life beyond its museums, galleries and theatres.
The free admission also made the event accessible to families and anyone looking for an alternative weekend activity, while its varied programme highlighted the breadth of contemporary circus, from physical skill and comedy to fire, light and movement.
Although the October festival has now finished, circus fans will have another date to look forward to in Palma.
Circo Stromboli is scheduled to bring Elfs, el gran sopar de Nadal to Teatre Municipal Xesc Forteza on December 12 and 13, with performances at 6pm.
The Christmas show will provide another opportunity for audiences to enjoy circus in the Mallorcan capital later this year.