Do you know that? The Biggest Circus Of The World

However, this way of art is retreating, within past couple of years. Anyway, the circus is not presented through people only. The circus is represented also by animals, such as beasts of pray, camels and other animals, which fascinated and frightened us, the children, at the same time. I have in mind the clowns (they are, for most of us, the representants or a symbol of something bad, despite the fact that they raise a laugh, however, they have something mysterious in their faces). Nevertheless, today´s article will not be dedicated to an analyse of dreadful clowns, with reference to King´s horror, but we try, (as the expression of our good habit) to find some special marks from the world of circus. Do you know that the greatest circus of the world is transferred by train? And this circus cannot be found in any other place as in the USA? So, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus belong to biggest circus company of the world, with a tradition, reaching to 1884! Five Ringling Brothers were noted as the founders. From the beginning, it was rather inconspicious circus, wandering across relatively small area of USA. Anyway, they came, at the beginning of 20th century, into subconsciousness of most USA inhabitants. The circus spreaded, and as its proud, it was, first of all, rich menagerie (zoo), represented with elephants and their drill. However, their training methods (not only of this circus) became a thorn in animals´ protectors side. The problem is that the treatment with animals, especially with the young ones, must be absolutely submitted to the satisfaction of desirous public, followed many times by very severe regime and drill. Nevertheless, at the beginning of 20th century, this fact was of the interest for hardly anybody. So, Ringling Brothers could be spreaded without problems up to the limit when even classical transfer waggons did not seemed to be sufficient for complicated transfers and staff, exceeding one hundred of employees and artists. So, from this reason, since 1899, the circus was changed to railway way of transport. This fact enabled rather comfortable transfers for long distances, and so, more territories of United States could be visited, as before. At that time period, it was standard (current) matter that a circus presented some place of hazard or casino or obscure „Shell Kingdom“. But, frankly speaking, Ringling Brothers always refused such tendency. So, in 1907, the company joined with new bought Barnum and Bailey Circus.

At first,till 1919, both bodies worked independently, when after fusion, a gigantic colossus, known as Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus was established. This circus overcame even great economy crisis as well as a period of the 2nd World War. However, in 1944, most tragical event in history of this company happened. During performance in Hartford (presented for 8000 spectators) enormous big fire of linen textiles occured, and more than 100 show.partecipantsa died, not from spectators line only. So, compulsory non-inflammable materials were, at that time period, completely submitted to war purposes of the USA. Nevertheless, after-war hardship as well as the decrease of spectators, visiting performances, did not caused the finish of circus existence. So, even in the middle of 20th century, a popularity of such animated entertainment did not dropped in such way that circus tent could be substituted by stadiums, sporting halls or by open space close to big cities. Just at that time, this circus could be proud on the title:“The Biggest Show on the Earth“. Later, this company swallowed another, smaller circusses. So, in USA, there was established a certain monopoly for entertainment, under brand Barnum and Bailey Circus.

And this name bears the circus till now. The transfer is still effected by train (this is a speciality No.1) and it is the greatest private railway suit of the world. The train is more than one mile long (the company operates two train-sets, according to the circuits, blue and red ones), including approx. 60 cars (20 trucks-lorries of them).

This circus is a mixture of artists from more than fourteen countries of the world (the artists are mostly from Russia). To the priorities belong, first of all, good cooperation with animal protectors. (to tell the truth, they are empoweredly afraid of bad treatment with animals). As a consequence of materials which are available (the fact proving that the animals were bad treated) the circus got, formally no permission for the entry into European Union Countries, or, better to say, well informed public makes boycott from the entry (Germany). Nevertheless, the right picture must be created by everybody, as well as the decision, if you wish to visit circus performance or not.  But, on the other hand, no circus cannot be denied a great part of courage, resolution or care. All circus artists will be deserved well, as they are able to present something from their art, and do not live their lives in comfort!

Text: Jan Chaloupka

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Wikipedia Commons, Brian 0918, Chensiyuan