Mark your calendars, March 28th is Barnum & Bailey Day! The day to celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest circuses of all time. Founded by Phineas Barnum and James Bailey in 1881, Barnum & Bailey Circus was a staple of thrilling entertainment for millions of viewers worldwide. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Barnum & Bailey Day, explore various activities to participate in, fawn over the importance of this day, and much more!
Barnum & Bailey Day Date
Every year, March 28th is celebrated worldwide as Barnum & Bailey Day. It’s a special day for circus lovers and a way to pay tribute to the amazing contributions of Phineas Barnum and James Bailey. This day is a reminder of the many years of joy and entertainment Barnum & Bailey Circus provided to audiences all over the world.
History of Barnum & Bailey Day
The Barnum & Bailey Circus has a rich history that dates back to 1881 when it was first established. This circus became known as the “Greatest Show on Earth” and ran for over a century until it closed in May 2017. Barnum & Bailey Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the contributions of the founders of the circus, Phineas Barnum, and James Bailey.
The circus industry started in Britain in the 1700s. Philip Astley, who was a British trick horse rider, created a show that included other forms of entertainment, such as clowns and acrobats. It was known as the “Royal Circus,” and that’s where the term “circus” was first used. Circuses came to the United States in the 1790s, where John Bill Ricketts introduced them for the first time.
P. T. Barnum revolutionized the circus industry by introducing “freak shows” in his performances, which became extremely popular in the United States. After he retired, he partnered with William Cameron Coup to start The P. T. Barnum’s Museum, Menagerie & Circus, which was called the “Greatest Show on Earth.” This was also the first show to use circus trains for transportation. He later merged his circus with William’s circus, The Five-Continental Circus, to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus.
James Anthony Bailey convinced Barnum to join his circus to create Barnum & Bailey Circus. After their death, the Ringling Bros. purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus and combined the two to create The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
How To Observe Barnum & Bailey Day
Barnum & Bailey Day provides an opportunity to reminisce about the good old days of the circus and celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest circuses of all time. Here are some fun activities you can participate in to observe this day:
Visit the circus – There are still several animal and performance circuses around the world that you can visit. Take a break from your routine and head out for an entertainment-filled day with family and friends.
Watch performances online – If you can’t visit a circus in person, you can always watch live circus performances like acrobats, tightrope walkers, and jugglers online.
Learn more about circuses – Take some time out to learn more about the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the history of circuses, and their evolution over time.
Barnum & Bailey Day Activities
Visit the Circus
The circus is a great place to spend time with family and friends. It’s a fun-filled activity that offers exciting performances and a chance to connect with others. Be sure to visit the circus closest to you, and make a day out of it!
Watch Performances Online
If you can’t physically visit a circus, you can always watch performances online. You can find many live circus performances, including acrobats, tightrope walkers, and jugglers online. Just search for circus performances on your favorite video-sharing website or streaming platform.
Learn More About Circuses
Take some time out to learn more about the history of circuses and its evolution over time. You can read books, watch documentaries, and even attend events that talk about circuses. Learning more about the Barnum & Bailey Circus and its impact will help you appreciate it even more.
Importance of Barnum & Bailey Day
Barnum & Bailey Day is an important day for all circus enthusiasts. It’s a reminder of the contributions of Phineas Barnum and James Bailey, who were instrumental in shaping the modern circus industry. The circus is more than just a form of entertainment; it has a rich history that has been a part of many cultures worldwide.
Participate Ideas on Barnum & Bailey Day
Here are some ideas on how you can participate in Barnum & Bailey Day:
Share The Word – Tell your friends and family about Barnum & Bailey Day and what it means. Spread the word online and on social media using the hashtag #BarnumBaileyDay to let everyone know about it.
Host A Circus-themed Party – Host a circus-themed party and invite your friends and family to join in. Decorate with circus-themed items and play circus music to set the mood.
Dress Up – Dress up as a circus performer or even as an animal from the circus. Wear costumes that represent the circus and show your love for Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Quotes on Barnum & Bailey Day
Here are some inspiring quotes about the circus and Barnum & Bailey Day:
“The circus is a magical world where anything is possible.” – Unknown
“The circus is the only show where the kid can see the starting line and the finish line.” – Unknown
“Without the circus, the world would be a much less magical place.” – Unknown
Barnum & Bailey Day Captions, Message & Status
Here are some captions, messages, and statuses you can use to celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day:
1. “Let’s celebrate the Barnum & Bailey Circus on this special day. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day everyone!”
2. “Step right up and join the fun, it’s time to celebrate the Barnum & Bailey Day!”
3. “The circus has always been a place of wonder and amazement. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
4. “Whether in person or online, let’s enjoy the many performances of the circus- Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
5. “Today we celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest circuses of all time – Barnum & Bailey. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
6. “Circuses may have changed, but the wonder and magic remain. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day.”
7. “The circus sparks joy and wonder in our hearts. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
8. “Barnum & Bailey always knew how to put on a show. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
9. “Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible contributions of Barnum & Bailey. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
10. “The circus has always been a place where we can escape reality and enter a world of wonder. Happy Barnum & Bailey Day!”
FAQs
When did the Barnum & Bailey Circus merge with the Ringling Bros.?
The Ringling Bros. owned the Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Shows and bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1906 after Bailey’s death. However, the shows were run separately until they were merged in 1919.
Who took over the Barnum & Bailey Circus after the Ringling Bros.?
After a 60-year run, the Ringling Bros. sold their show to Irvin Feld, his brother Israel, and Judge Roy Hofheinz in 1967. They eventually sold the circus to the toy company Mattel shortly after, but then repurchased it about a decade after that.
Why was the Barnum & Bailey Circus closed?
There were several reasons why the Barnum & Bailey Circus closed, including low attendance and sales and operating costs. Additionally, several animal rights groups protested against the use of animals in the circus, which led to decreased sales. The circus officially closed in 2017 after 146 years, but plans for a possible relaunch are being discussed.
Conclusion
Barnum & Bailey Day is a special day to celebrate the history of one of the greatest circuses of all time. From its roots in the 1700s to its closure in 2017, Barnum & Bailey Circus has entertained millions of people around the world. On March 28th, we take a moment to remember the many years of joy and entertainment the circus brought to our lives. So, take some time out to participate in various fun activities and celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day with friends and family.