Circuses are among the cultural enterprises particularly affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. Small, long-established family businesses are struggling to survive — and even global giant Cirque du Soleil is suffering.

From early spring to late summer, small and large volksfests and funfairs usually take place all over Germany, from the Cannstatter Wasen to the Rheinkirmes to the most famous all, Oktoberfest. At the heart of these events are countless traveling showmen, a centuries-old tradition.

This year, the preventive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in the nationwide cancellation of all these events until August 31, as well as this year’s Oktoberfest.

Bumper cars, merry-go-rounds and countless other funfair stands have been standing still for months, threatening the existence of many showmen in Germany. According to Albert Ritter, the president of the German Showmen’s Association, the situation in the industry is “particularly dramatic” because there has been no income in the entire industry since the Christmas markets season…

Read the Full Article at DW