Take Flight with Luzia

Let’s face it: winter in Vancouver can be dark, dank and grey. Which is why so many of us readily escape to bright, blue-skied destinations at this time of year. But from November 4 onwards, there’s another way to bask in the colourful, warming glow of sunnier climes. And you won’t even need to board a plane.

 

Returning to its heated Big Top complex at Concord Pacific Place this holiday season, Canada’s much-loved Cirque du Soleil is bringing its celebrated, all-ages Luzia show to local and visiting audiences. And since it’s set in a rich and vibrant fantasy version of Mexico, it feels like you’re being transported far away from our region’s customary cold-season gloom.

 

Visual Feast

 

It’s the look of Luzia––Cirque’s 38th original production since its 1984 inception––that makes it so easy to forget about winter. Described as “a waking dream of Mexico,” audiences join a stripy-suited Traveler as he drops onto a bed of marigold flowers before being led through a vividly flamboyant realm by a butterfly-winged Running Woman and her metallic horse.

 

Together, they encounter richly costumed characters including iguanas, crocodiles and hummingbirds. And they visit eclectic locales from a vintage movie set to a smoky dance hall jam-packed with flashy hoofers. There’s even a dramatic water curtain that cascades 10,000 litres (recycled for each show) onto the stage––it’s a Vancouver rainy day you won't need your umbrella for.

 

Performing Feats

 

But there’s much more to Luzia than its amazing backdrop. In fact, the main attraction for most of us––and the topic you’ll be discussing wide-eyed for weeks afterwards––is the roster of 47 world-class circus acts performing at the top of their game. Like all Cirque shows, this one is filled with artistes that stretch the limits of an entertainment archetype that’s existed for centuries.

 

From your seat, you’ll marvel at flying acrobats, soaring trapeze artists, seemingly impossible hand-balancers and a hoop-diving act that takes place on treadmills. Keep your eyes wide open for clowns, jugglers, a slackwire expert and a wrestling-themed swing act as well. And watch out for a dance-and-tricks-based homage to soccer that might bring back fond memories of Vancouver’s starring role in this year’s FIFA World Cup.

 

Personally, we’re especially looking forward to an appearance by Aleksei Goloborodko. The internationally famous contortionist will serve up a show-stopping act––you’ll hear gasps from all corners of the audience––where he twists and turns his radically supple body into positions that seem eye-poppingly unfeasible to everyone but him. Don't try this at home or you’ll definitely pop a few things yourself.

 

Scintillating Soundscape

 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026––Luzia has been performed in Spain, Australia, the UK and beyond––the show also has an additional secret weapon to help transport audiences to its alternate reality: a brilliantly immersive soundtrack, created by Quebec-based composer Simon Carpentier, that breathes life into its imaginary Mexico setting.

 

Evoking everything from shimmering seasides to tropical jungles, the music touches on multiple genres. Keep your ears tuned in and you’ll spot salsa and flamenco flourishes plus pitch-perfect references to small-town brass bands and rhythmic bandas tunes. It’s a lively, emotional score that might have you dancing in your seat––and searching for a CD in one of the onsite gift stores.

 

Don’t spend all your intermission time perusing souvenirs and Christmas gift ideas, though. We also recommend indulging in a colourful tropical cocktail or two from one of the Big Top’s onsite bars. It’s the perfect way to toast your easy and immersive “trip” to Mexico––while also forgetting about the wintry Vancouver weather that’s likely waiting for you outside.

 

If you go:

 

Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia is running under the Big Top at Concord Pacific place in Vancouver from November 4 to January 10. Tickets start at $59, but be sure to book your preferred date and time as early as possible for what will be one of the most popular holiday season shows in the city. For additional information and to reserve your tickets, visit the show’s official Vancouver webpage.