The Ramos Circus
Spanning five generations of circus performers the Ramos family has been in the business of circus entertainment for over eighty years. Led by circus patrioarch Bernardo Ramos, over fifteen members of the Ramos family, perform and work to support and maintain their families circus legacy.
The Ramos Circus orginally begain in Las Vegas where the Ramos Brothers performed for almost eight years at the legendary Circus Circus Casino. Oliver Ramos, son of Bernardo Ramos states, "All of the family and the other performers in our circus are seasoned professionals with decades of experience working various shows in Las Vegas.
The Ramos Circus has a grueling touring schedule that goes for eleven months out of the year. Their one month off is to rest, re-group and plan for the following year's tour. The circus averages an eleven to twelve day stay at each city where it performs; with multiple shows each evening and weekend.
The operation is spartan and efficient. Each member of the circus has muliple responsibilities and roles to save both time and money. In the course of an evening a member might sell hotdogs or popcorn, and return to their trailer and change to perfrom a magic show or assist with an animal show. The family has been together a long time and everyone understands the importance of projecting unity and a team spirit to have the best show possible. Although the circus may not be big by the standards of Ringling Brothers, Circus Vargas and other national and international touring circuses, the shows are well thought out and professionally executed. The performers are, respective to what they do, very confident and professional, and know how to play to an audience. Judging by the loud clapping and amazed expressions of the spectators the sentiment was shared by them as well.
With a weak economy and ever stricter city and county regulations, and a taxing touring schedule, maintaining consistently high standards might seem a daunting task, but Oliver Ramos states that the family would not have life any other way. With pride he states, "In an age where families barely get together around the table to share a meal, we are blessed to be able to have our family together every day to both play and work. We love what we do and are motivated by seeing an audience laugh, clap, scream and enjoying themselves, losing themselves in the circus experience. There is nothing like it."
By the enthusiastic response of their audiences, hopefully the Ramos Circus will continue for another five generations to come.
