Circus Vargas Comes to Santa Barbara

Illuminated by bright lights and flanked with colorful trailers, a massive blue and white tent erected at the Earl Warren Showgrounds announced the arrival of Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. A well-known American traveling circus based in California, Circus Vargas has been touring its newest show, Jubilé! An Epic World Celebration.

The show debuted in Santa Barbara on Friday June 7. Driving down the 101 towards the venue that opening night, and for every other night until the final performance on June 17, it was impossible to miss the spectacle. The iconic big top tent was reminiscent of the old-timey circus and consistent with Circus Vargas’s unique style. The contemporary circus was born in 1969 and has since been hosting shows that pay tribute to the traditional circus experience.

Inside the tent, too, evoked a sense of nostalgia. Carnival music tinkled in the background as vendors sold popcorn, candy, and light-up toys, and other staff members dressed in vintage costumes scanned tickets and ushered visitors towards the performance area. Seats flanked the stage in a crescent-shape, overlooking the red velvet curtain that remained drawn as the performers undoubtedly prepared in the back. Audience members looked up in wonder to see ladders and ropes hung from the ceiling, alluding to the daring tricks to come.