The 30th edition of the Fira Trapezi in Reus closed this Sunday with 45,000 spectators and an average occupancy of 98% in the indoor shows, after a program that brought about sixty companies and eighty performances to squares, streets, and theaters in the city.
The figure comes in an edition marked by an unusual paradox for a consolidated festival. While the event has been almost full in indoor venues and has filled the center of Reus for several days, the City Council maintains that the city can still attract more audiences, although it wants to do so without increasing the volume at any cost.
The fair was almost full indoors and brought together 300 professionals in three days
In addition to general public attendance, the professional aspect of the fair brought together more than 300 accredited attendees over three days of round tables, project presentations, and showcases. The event also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the festival.
The anniversary also marked the end of the fourth year of shared direction by Cristina Cazorla and Alba Sarraute. During this period, both have advocated for a way of understanding the circus sector based on building connections and a shift in perspective supported by the idea of "company."
Cristina Cazorla, co-director of Trapezi, summarized this approach with a statement that accompanied the festival's final report.
"We have tried to change the focus, from camaraderie, embrace, and smiles to working together" - Cristina Cazorla, co-director of Fira Trapezi
The program was distributed among various locations in Reus, with activities in public spaces as well as in theaters and auditoriums. This combination allowed for a wide range of offerings throughout the fair, with about eighty performances by around 60 companies.
Guaita affirms that Trapezi fills Reus and Recasens calls for measured growth
Sandra Guaita, the mayor of Reus, emphasized the fair's impact on the city and the public's response. The mayor stated that Trapezi has the capacity to "generate excitement" among the population and to fill Reus during the days of the event.
Daniel Recasens, the councilor for Culture, added another nuance to the assessment. The councilor maintained that Reus can attract more attendees, but stressed that this growth must be done in a measured way, with artistic quality as a priority.
The current co-directors have already expressed their willingness to run for the project again. Cazorla even joked about the scope of the call by stating that in the next edition "we will only have to invite extraterrestrials to come".
The next step involves the management of the event, as the publication of a tender for the artistic direction of the Fira Trapezi for the next four years is planned.