Do Portugal Circus, one of the world’s most renowned traveling international circus troops, will be bringing the Big Top to Franklin Mall (formerly Philadelphia Mills Mall), in the Far Northeast from Jan. 31 through Feb. 16.
Each action-packed show will feature a range of international performers and artists, including aerialists, jugglers, clowns, magicians, dancers, acrobats and more. Audiences can expect to be dazzled by motorcyclists in the Globe of Death, trapeze, quick change, magic, dancing, clowning and more. This unforgettable show is fun for all ages — children and families are welcome.
“Do Portugal Circus is thrilled to bring our talented artists to the Greater Philadelphia Region,” said Susan Vance, a Do Portugal spokesperson. “We are especially excited to pop-up for the very first time right in Philadelphia. This is the birthplace of the American circus born here in 1793. Philadelphia continues to this day to have a rich history and strong connection to circus arts. It is a major hub for major traveling shows, plus the region has two of the most well-regarded circus schools in the country.”
“We specially selected Franklin Mall as it is an area that is so easy to get to from those in the city, Bucks County and South Jersey,” Vance added. “Northeast Philadelphia and lower Bucks County are also so rich with families — and we can’t wait to meet everyone and hear all the little cheers from the audience. We are also the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends — we offer something for everyone.”
Do Portugal Circus is one of the world’s most famous and longest running circus troops and shows, with roots dating back to 1911. The circus is named after the Portugal Family, who have been entertaining audiences on the American Continent for five generations.
The family’s story started in 1911 where the family performed in circus shows across Mexico. In 1950, the family started performing in their first tent and opened their own show, called Circus America. It traveled along the Mexican Pacific Coast. The show later changed into Circus Dina in the 1980s and it became the Do Portugal Circus in 1993. Throughout the following decades Do Portugal Circus traveled the entire republic of Mexico and in December 2014, the circus crossed the border for the first time and debuted the show in El Salvador. In El Salvador they started a tour of Central America and in 2019 they began their tour of the USA. In 2021 Do Portugal circus started performing in 2 different tents in the USA and in Mexico at the same time.
To this day all shows are run by the Portugal family and will continue to pass down the Circus tradition for many generations to come.
“Our performers want to amaze people of this great city with their performances. We hope to provide a memorable experience for all those who attend the show,” Vance said. “Our talented and passionate cast want to leave people in awe with death-defying acts, and leave families with memories that last a lifetime. Our talented and passionate artists will have you gasping in awe as they perform their death-defying acts. And of course, no circus is complete without our wonderful clown that will have you grinning from start to finish.”
Tickets are on sale now. Tickets start at $20 and range to VIP tickets for $50. Super saver fun packs are available for $49.99 for early bird special, which includes two adults and two children (valid for purchase through Jan. 31). For tickets and information, visit doportugalcircus.com.
