The holidays are coming up around the corner, and families are on the hunt for something truly astounding, something that goes beyond the usual family outings. With breathtaking, culturally inspired costumes and an intriguing, captivating storyline, Cirque du Soleil — LUZIA is under the Big Top at Atlantic Station until Jan 25, 2026.
When I first arrived at the Cirque, there was already an overwhelming number of things to explore. Beautiful day of the dead (Día de los Muertos) symbols, food, and beverages, along with an exhibit of outfits displayed in the show.
Twenty minutes after the curtains opened to the circus tent, the audience had already filled nearly half of the seats. Soft acoustics played through the air from the guitar opener, mingling with misty fog and stage lights. No matter where you bought your seats in the tent, every seat offers a clear view, and the show still feels immersive from every angle, including the furthest.
When the show began, the lights shifted from soft golds to deep blues, and you see the clown drop down from the ceiling, and suddenly you feel like you are traveling with him, all without ever leaving your seat. Every transition is so smooth that the audience barely has time to process one gorgeous moment before the next one unfolds right in front of them.
Amidst all the intense stunts, the clown still managed to steal the show. Without saying a single word, he managed to get the entire audience laughing as he pulled us into a playful beach-themed game, passing a beach ball around the audience and interacting with the crowd. His expressions, comedic timing, and physical humor made the whole tent light up, and it definitely added a fun, warm break between the bold acts. It was impressive how he connected with everyone, kids, and adults, using nothing but his expressions and personality.
Then, the live singer, whose powerful, soulful voice fills the entire tent and performs with an emotional depth that sticks with you. It’s the kind of voice that gives you goosebumps and makes you stop and just listen, even while amazing and shocking things are happening all around you on stage. Watching her perform live made the whole show feel more magical, more personal, and unforgettable.
The stunts in Luzia had me completely on the edge of my seat. The performers are, simply put, unbelievable. One minute, someone soars through the air or dances gracefully with water pouring around them like glittering rain, and the next, a contortionist bends in ways that you would think defy human ability. There were dozens of shocking stunts; one performer climbed tall wooden poles, adding more and more with every passing minute, as if it were nothing.
But what really makes LUZIA stand out to me is its heartbeat: Mexico. The story, the colors, the costumes, the music — they all pay tribute to Mexican culture in a way that feels warm, real, and full of love. You can see it in the cultural pieces, and in the folklore-inspired set props that feel pulled straight from a dream. Every detail feels very thought-out and with intent.
Of course, probably my favorite and the most astonishing parts of the show — as I mentioned earlier — are the costumes. Every costume lets the performers move freely, twist and flip through the air, and pull off jaw-dropping stunts in equally as jaw-dropping outfits. The colors are bold and vivid, with outstanding details that reflect Mexico’s rich cultural traditions and vibrant heritage. Some of my personal favorites were the hummingbird costume, the iguana shawl, the butterfly, and of course, the singer’s motorized rose dress.
I also asked some of the LUZIA Team about some of the show’s backstory and creation, and here is what they had to say! Editor’s Note: Answers are edited for clarity and concision.
Q. The holiday season is approaching, meaning larger crowds are expected. Are there any tips you would give to families to enjoy Luzia to the fullest?
A. With Atlanta traffic unpredictable, don’t be shy about arriving early. Our site opens 90 minutes before, and the concessions tent opens one hour before the show. You’ll be immersed in the world of LUZIA as soon as you set foot on site. One of the most stunning scenes of the show is the opening, so you don’t want to miss this. Just let yourself be transported into this imaginary world.
Q. This is Luzia’s second time returning to Atlanta since 2017. What do you believe changed versus what remained the same?
A. Throughout the years, LUZIA stayed true to its original concept while evolving on the acrobatic level. The audience can expect to be transported into a world of vibrant colors and music, while being amazed by astonishing acrobatics. The intimacy the Big Top offers allows people to connect with the artists, creating a unique experience every time.
Q. What materials or methods were used to create costumes that are both flexible and waterproof, while remaining together and maintaining their beauty?
A. In the show, there are over 1,000 costumes, each designed for an artist. The creation team put a lot of effort into developing costumes that allow the artists to showcase their acrobatic skills while using fabrics that will last over time. Given the show’s unique water element, they also had to choose fabrics that would dry quickly for specific costumes. And all of this without compromising the look and wow factor of the costumes on stage. Finally, one of the most interesting costumes in the show is the singer’s flower dress. Using technology, the dress transitions from white to red as 61 flowers bloom.
Q. How did Mexican mythology and nature influence the set and or props? Can you describe the preparation and rehearsals for risky stunts?
A. The director of the show, Daniele Finzi Pasc, lived and travelled in Mexico for about a decade. He fell in love with this culture and wanted to pay tribute to it. Everything the audience sees on stage connects to the culture. For example, the large disk that sits above the stage sometimes represents the sun, sometimes the moon, and sometimes the Aztec calendar, and is also a tribute to the Teotihuacan archaeological site in Mexico. The creation process for a show like LUZIA typically takes 18 months to 2 years. The artists usually join the process nine months before the premiere. During that period, they will work with a team of acrobatic designers, coaches, choreographers, musicians, technicians, and the director to create their performance.
Q. What do you hope the audience feels after the performance?
A. LUZIA is a beautiful show that has something for everyone. We hope that the audience will allow themselves to escape into our world and maybe forget about reality for a little while.
