Cirkus Mascot ends 32-year run with final performance

Cirkus Mascot will give its final performance in Roslev on Sunday, ending 32 years on tour, DR reports. The family-owned circus has staged 33 seasons.

Director Marianne Deleuran said the farewell would be emotional. The decision follows several factors: her son, who runs the circus with her, wants to try something different, and Deleuran, who is nearing 64, says the physical work has taken its toll.

She also said it has become harder to run a circus as children increasingly spend time online. “We are a dying breed, unfortunately,” she said.

Cirkus Mascot was founded in 1994 and spent its first 26 seasons travelling between towns with its own tent. Since the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it has performed in sports halls. Deleuran described circus life as “more a lifestyle than a job.”

Her son Daniel Deleuran has performed as an artist and is now the ringmaster. Her younger son, Andreas, was also part of the circus until 2019, working as an artist and tent manager.

Deleuran has performed with many animals, particularly poodles. She plans to keep her animals and take them on visits to care homes for people with dementia and kindergartens. She also gives talks about her life in the ring and has started a home-service business.

When Cirkus Mascot closes, six traditional circuses will remain in Denmark, according to the Circus Museum in Hvidovre. The museum’s director, Mikkel Knudsen, said rising administrative demands, digitalisation and difficulties finding workers to erect tents have made the business more challenging. He said Danish circus is currently in a downturn but remained optimistic about its ability to overcome difficulties.

Danish circus receives annual state support of five million kroner through 2029.