By Deba Osakwe
The international circus world is in shock after the death of 27-year-old trapeze artist Marina Barcelo, who lost her life during a performance at the Paul Busch Circus in Bautzen, eastern Germany.
Barcelo, originally from Majorca, was performing a solo aerial routine on Saturday evening when she fell about 16 feet from her trapeze swing. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Around 100 people, many of them parents with young children, were inside the big top at the time. Witnesses described a scene of horror as some families shielded their children’s eyes while others fled the tent in shock.
Tributes have poured in from across Europe for the acclaimed performer, who began her circus career in 2018 after a decade in gymnastics. “We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Marina Barcelo who has sadly lost her life doing what she loved best,” Peter Jolly’s Circus said in a statement. “Her sudden passing has shocked the circus community worldwide. May she rest in peace.”
The Circus Friends Association of Great Britain also expressed sorrow: “Marina was a multi-talented circus artist who could perform a number of acts. Her passing has left a deep void.”
Friends and fellow performers have shared emotional tributes online. Carlos Bryan Martinez Sanchez, a colleague, wrote: “I still can’t believe it. It was a pleasure to share the floor with you. A hug to you in Heaven.” Spanish friend Puri Galan Gonzalez posted a rose and photos of Marina performing, calling her death “a terrible blow” for her family.
Barcelo’s website reveals a passion for her craft and a belief in the power of circus art to create “unforgettable moments.” She was known for combining aerial acrobatics, tightrope and stilt walking, unicycle shows, and theatrical characters such as the Little Mermaid in a water bowl. She had performed in Germany, Spain, Poland, and other countries.
In the wake of the tragedy, the circus has suspended performances and offered trauma support to the audience members who witnessed the fall. A sign posted at the ticket booth simply read: “Due to a bereavement, the circus will be closed.”
Bautzen mayor Karsten Vogt said the accident had “deeply affected” the town, offering condolences to Barcelo’s loved ones. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, exploring whether a health issue or equipment failure may have been a factor.
For now, the circus community remembers Marina Barcelo as an artist who lived and died for her passion — a gifted performer whose career was cut short far too soon.
