Throughout its history, Bucharest has flourished and endured hardships, yet the pleasure derived from spectacle and entertainment has remained constant. Among the attractions that have consistently captured the public’s attention are circus performances: acrobats, stunt performers, and entertainers who brought joy and amazement to the people. From the traveling troupes that paused in the city to delight locals to the grandiose shows of today’s Metropolitan Circus, the history of the Bucharest circus reflects both the city’s urban evolution and its cultural transformations.

The roots of the circus in the Capital

In the feudal period, sources from Wallachia mention the presence of pehlivans, comedians and acrobats who performed at significant events or at the princely court. These performers executed incredible feats that demonstrated both physical strength and dexterity. 

In 1681, the chronicler Constantin Filipescu-Căpitanul described a pehlivan who leaped over eight buffaloes and walked on a giant tulip stem without sinking, showcasing extraordinary skill.

Alongside the pehlivans, jesters were a constant presence at the princely court. Their role was to entertain both the ruler and the populace, presenting a favorable image of the prince. 

Dressed in comically elaborate, colorful clothing and hats, they participated in royal parades, sometimes riding upside-down, bringing humor and joy into the daily life of the city.

The evolution of circus performances in the 19th century

The 19th century marked the transition of the circus from amateurish, risky shows to professionalized performances. Local troupes faced challenges, but Bucharest increasingly attracted foreign troupes with organized shows, advanced techniques, and elaborate sets.

One famous example was the “Monkey Theater” from Vienna, where trained monkeys performed amusing acts. Another iconic figure was Bartolomeo Bosco, a magician who amazed audiences with tricks that were not only visual but also mental, captivating spectators with his ingenuity. In fact, the terms “boscar” and “boscărie,” meaning “illusionist” or “trickery,” originate from his name.

Bucharest residents flocked to these performances, even though traveling circuses were improvised in canvas tents with simple benches. Tragically, such shows were sometimes dangerous, resulting in accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, highlighting the risks of circus life in those times.

Theodor Sidoli and the first permanent circus

In 1864, Italian Theodor Sidoli, considered the father of modern Romanian circus, attempted to establish the first permanent circus in Bucharest in the area that would later host the Romanian Athenaeum. 

His plan included circus and equestrian shows, but a lack of funds halted the project. Nonetheless, by the winter of 1888, the Sidoli Circus building on Police Street was completed, and Sidoli promoted spectacular shows, distributing invitations personally throughout the city.

The tradition was carried on by Cezar Sidoli, his son, who nurtured talented performers and created unforgettable acts. Among the famous artists of the Sidoli Circus were trapeze artists Stroici, clowns Toni Mărculescu, Tonino Milea, Ciacanica, and Romania’s first elephant trainer, George Mateescu. 

Their performances combined skill with emotional storytelling, evoking amazement, fear, and joy in audiences within seconds.

Early 20th-century transformations

At the beginning of the 20th century, cinema and musical shows became the preferred forms of entertainment, impacting the popularity of traditional circus performances. To attract audiences, circuses began offering mixed shows, combining acrobatics, short film projections, and musical elements. 

However, sometimes performers’ skill was overshadowed by flashy costumes, elaborate decorations, and pompous titles such as “princess” or “countess.” Posters advertising shows bore names like “The Game with Death” or “The Mortal Leap”, hinting at both spectacle and risk.

Equestrian shows remained extremely popular, but World War I had a devastating impact. Authorities requisitioned horses for the war effort, and the death of Cezar Sidoli in 1919 marked the end of the Sidoli Circus era. The circus building was later converted into a boxing ring. The newspaper Dimineața wrote in 1932:

“The Sidoli Circus, whose existence brought the first spectacular joys to many Bucharest children, disappears. [...] The old circus now vanishes, burying the name of the one who carried the fame of the show across the country. Bucharest will be left without a circus… Yet the city feels empty without it. Dark, like a life without childhood.”

The emergence of the State Circus

A new beginning came in 1954, with the establishment of the State Circus on Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard, in the building of Emil Krateyl’s former circus near the present-day National Theatre. In 1961, the circus moved to its own building, which still operates today as the Globus Circus.

The contemporary Metropolitan Circus continues this tradition, offering varied shows for all ages with acrobats, stunt performers, and comedians, keeping alive the delight of Bucharest audiences. However, starting in 2017, shows featuring wild animals were discontinued, making lions, tigers, elephants, and other exotic animals a memory rather than a live attraction.

The circus today

Today, the Metropolitan Circus represents a blend of tradition and modernity. Acrobatics and stunts continue to captivate audiences, while modern technology and infrastructure allow for safe and spectacular performances. 

From improvised tents and perilous shows of the 19th century to permanent halls and professionally staged performances, the Bucharest circus has traveled a long and fascinating path, preserving the art of spectacle and entertainment for generations.

In conclusion, the history of the circus in Bucharest is a testament to the perseverance of performing arts and the city’s ability to foster talent, creativity, and joy. From acrobats and pehlivans to renowned trapeze artists and modern circus shows, the circus remains one of the most cherished and enduring forms of entertainment in the capital.

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