Water, light, and Mexican myth unfold on the LUZIA stage
Landing in Alicante on 14 July, the Cirque du Soleil production LUZIA travels through a tapestry of world culture with its stagecraft, costumes, acrobatics, and music. The show taps into Mexican culture, history, and myth, weaving a journey that feels both intimate and expansive.
From the Monarch Butterfly, a symbol of migration and refuge across Mexico, to the Yucatan jungle, the Sonoran Desert, and the marigold—an emblematic centerpiece of Day of the Dead altars—the performance threads natural and symbolic images into its narrative.
LUZIA premiered in Montreal in April 2016 and stands as the Canadian company’s thirty-eighth production since its 1984 founding. This year also marks Cirque du Soleil’s twenty-second anniversary of touring the Valencian Ensemble, a testament to the deep connection forged with audiences around the Mediterranean. Across thousands of performances, the show invites spectators to traverse a dreamlike landscape where time and space blur between imagination and reality.
The LUZIA tour crew in Alicante, operating along Avenida Costa Blanca (San Juan) through 21 August, comprises 115 members representing 25 nationalities, underscoring the show’s international flavor and collaborative spirit.
Water and light in all its forms
LUZIA, a name derived from the fusion of light and rain, transports audiences into a dreamlike Mexico where nature, culture, and myth intersect through a dazzling array of characters. A standout feature is the integration of water within a grand tented space, a first for this production, which adds a fluid, luminous dimension to the performances. The rotating stage further enhances accessibility, allowing audience members to enjoy acrobatics from nearly any vantage point.
The Mexico portrayed on stage blends many landscapes, from a light mist over a mythical heartland to heavy rain along the Pacific coast. The show paints a composite image of the country where the everyday and the magical coexist in a single, evolving tableau.
The director notes that LUZIA reflects the dreams and aspirations of Mexicans rather than a literal depiction of the country, a distinction that gives the show its poetic quality and universal appeal.
With powerful visuals and surprising moments, LUZIA invites audiences to drift on a journey that feels both fantastical and grounded, a celebration of a country rich in color, sound, and memory. The production moves between the textures of an old cinema set, a vast sea, a smoky ballroom, and a stark desert, merging tradition with modern spectacle to capture the many faces and sounds of Mexico.
Forty-six performers from eighteen nations—Australia, Canada, Colombia, Finland, France, Guinea, Italy, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, Russia, Venezuela and more—contribute to the show’s global flavor and artistic energy.
An unexpected spotlight moment
The show has grown into a landmark experience, with moments that surprise audiences and celebrate the company’s enduring creativity. Since its inception, Cirque du Soleil has enjoyed moments of extraordinary momentum, drawing huge crowds and spreading joy and wonder through every corner of its touring program. A recent milestone celebrated a four-millionth spectator, a testament to the show’s broad and devoted following.
The company marks these celebrations not with grand speeches alone but with intimate, memorable experiences for attendees. One such moment saw a family greeted during an evening performance with a special reception and merchandise, paired with a backstage glimpse for the guests and a tour of the production’s operational heart. Remarkably, the four-millionth attendee was treated to premium seating and refreshments, underscoring Cirque’s commitment to making each visit feel exclusive and celebratory.
Patricia Ricarte, identified as the four-millionth viewer, shared that she and her family have long been fans of Cirque du Soleil, having previously enjoyed Corteo in Alicante. Her experience underscores the show’s ability to connect long-time admirers with new audiences, turning an evening at the Big Top into a cherished memory.
Cirque du Soleil remains in Alicante through 21 August before continuing a European tour that will take the troupe to Zurich and Madrid later in the season. The Alicante venue sits along Playa de San Juan, well served by private and public transport. On Fridays and Saturdays, a special tram service adds convenience for attendees. The waterfront area remains popular with visitors, so arriving early is advised. Parking inside the tent is not available, and pets are not permitted in the venue.
Address: Costa Blanca Avenue, 03540 Alicante. Show times vary, with evening performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 18:30, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 18:30 and 22:00. A holiday schedule notes an additional 18:30 show on August 15. Tickets can be purchased at the box office on show days to resolve issues or upgrade seating as needed.