Vallejo has circus atmosphere as new big top graces waterfront

By Irma Widjojo Times-Herald staff writer/

POSTED:   09/15/2013 01:01:47 AM PDT

In the past few days, a colorful new addition to the Vallejo waterfront has attracted the attention of many passersby.

The big top, decorated with swirls of lime and pink and flashing signs, is the home for more than 30 performers and staff of the Circo Hermanos Caballero, a new circus in town.

The Las Vegas-based traveling circus will perform in Vallejo until Sept. 23, and offers one to three shows a day, depending on the day of the week.

The mostly Spanish-language circus visited Vallejo about four years ago, promoter Bill Mendoza said. However, the circus has decided to return with its newest performance, "The Chinese Circus of Pekin."

Mendoza said the new theme this year features eight Chinese performers, in additionto the circus' regular performance.

"It's a very cultural show," Mendoza said of the new two-hour show, which includes a Chinese lion dance, contortionists, animal shows and other acts.

Before its first show Saturday, performers stretched backstage and put on their make up and costumes in their trailers.

The family-run operation was started about 12 years ago by the Cabelleros, a circus family, he said, and has since included many family members.

One is Emilio Martinez Caballero, 69, who is also Kiwi the Clown on stage. Caballero said he was born into the business and has performed many acts throughout his career. However, due to his age, he is now content to be the clown, interacting with the audience.

"Children is the reason behind a circus," Caballero said in Spanish, translated by Mendoza. "They are the best critics for the show. Children always say the truth."

Shows on Monday, Tuesday and Friday are at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. General admissions are $25 for adults, and $10 for children. However, Sunday's 2 p.m. matinee show is $10 for both children and adults.

Judith Caballero, 11, dangles from the trapeze as she performs during the Circo
Hermanos Caballero in Vallejo on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)

A chinese performer stretches before going on stage with members of the
Chinese Circus of Pekin during Circo Hermanos Caballero along
the waterfront in Vallejo. The circus performs every day
through Sept. 23. ((Chris Riley/Times-Herald)(Chris Riley/Times-Herald))