American Circus Day

April 3 is American Circus Day. It marks the anniversary of the opening of the first circus in America in 1793, in Philadelphia.

The circus has a long and varied history. Circuses are first mentioned in the history of ancient Rome, where they were more sports contests and chariot races than the fanciful entertainment we associate with the circus today.

Today’s version of the circus evolved during the Middle Ages in Europe, combining the gypsy prowess with animals and Asian acrobatic skills.

^{(photo © mhaithaca/cc license)}