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November 8, 2022
Today in Texas History
By Bandera Spirits of Texas
On this day in 1852, the first recorded mention of the distinctive Mexican circus in Texas appeared in the San Antonio Ledger. Though the performing groups may have been in Texas prior to this date, this newspaper report marked the first documentation of the circuses in the Lone Star State.
The Mexican circuses evolved over the years from 16th-century performers called voladores (flyers) and Spanish minstrels and jugglers to include maromeros (acrobats) by the 17th century and dramatic performers in the 18th century. By the time they got to Texas, the Mexican circuses had incorporated Italian, English and American influences, including the English clown.
Carpas (tent circuses) proved popular into the 20th century throughout the Rio Grande Valley and South and Central Texas, and several companies made San Antonio their home base. The carpas, often family-based, delivered commentary on Tejano social life and influenced the development of Mexican-American theater.
The Mexican circuses evolved over the years from 16th-century performers called voladores (flyers) and Spanish minstrels and jugglers to include maromeros (acrobats) by the 17th century and dramatic performers in the 18th century. By the time they got to Texas, the Mexican circuses had incorporated Italian, English and American influences, including the English clown.
Carpas (tent circuses) proved popular into the 20th century throughout the Rio Grande Valley and South and Central Texas, and several companies made San Antonio their home base. The carpas, often family-based, delivered commentary on Tejano social life and influenced the development of Mexican-American theater.