After seven years, the Suarez Brothers Circus has returned to Jamaica, and will remain until early 2025.

The highly anticipated circus officially launched on Thursday and was open to the public on Friday.

“Jamaica is part of our home in the Caribbean… we always bring a different show; a new and entertaining show, and this time is no different. We’ve brought very nice, entertaining family show,” director Ivan Suarez said at the launch held at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.

The circus will remain at that location for five weeks, with shows every day, before embarking on an islandwide tour with stops in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Manchester, and St Elizabeth.

Unlike previous years, this staging does not include animals.

“There are no live animals anymore because of regulations in certain countries where animals are concerned, and the logistics to move the animals around has changed a lot and can sometimes be difficult,” Suarez said.

Thursday’s event saw performances of various stunts, including the wheel of death, a professional hula hooper, juggler and clown.

There was also a concession area with snacks such as popcorn and cotton candy as well as assorted beverages.

Meanwhile, the Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica Juan José González Mijares lauded the return of the circus, noting that it signifies strong ties between the countries.

“This is remarkable in the history of the circus, and I’m so glad that the circus is here in Jamaica again. Mexico is a no-so-distant land; it’s part of the Caribbean and it’s important to see that it’s a land of opportunity. With the circus coming here, and throughout the rest of the Caribbean, it’s a sign that Mexico is gladly part of the Caribbean,” he said.

The Suarez Brothers Circus was founded in 1872 and has been coming to Jamaica since the 1980s.

From left: Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica Juan José González Mijares, co-director of the circus Ivan Suarez, hula hooper Hewan Etay, and juggler Geovanni Aguilar

Members of the Suarez Brothers Circus perform a death-defying stunt last Thursday. (Garfield Robinson)

The cast of the Suarez Brothers Circus (Garfield Robinson)

Juggling fun (Garfield Robinson)

World of hoops (Garfield Robinson)