My Experience
12.06.2025
Repat Story
Ezequiel Guiragossian and His Traveling Social Circus
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=971f623ed3f92d5d75b3e793b2e0b42c "Ezequiel Guiragossian and His Traveling Social Circus")
Ezequiel Guiragossian and His Traveling Social Circus
Walking through Yerevan or driving around the city, you might notice a young man juggling – he looks like someone from a kind childhood story.
That’s Ezequiel Guiragossian – a juggler, acrobat, and founder of Circo Fractal, who has now been living in Armenia for about a year. Born in Buenos Aires to an Armenian father and Italian mother, Ezequiel had never seriously considered coming to Armenia – until a conversation with his uncle changed everything.
“If it weren’t for Birthright Armenia, I probably wouldn’t have made it here. My uncle told me about the program, and after finishing my studies, I decided – okay, I’m going to Armenia,” he says. “During my eight months as a volunteer, I worked with people with disabilities at Unison in Yerevan and at Emili Aregak in Gyumri. I helped them overcome physical barriers and become part of daily life.”
An Idea to Help Through Circus
It was while working with people who need special care that Ezequiel started thinking a lot about creating a social circus – a circus that could help improve their lives.
“When we think of a circus, we usually imagine going to a show. But in a social circus, it’s the circus that goes out to people. I came back to Armenia with the goal of starting this kind of circus here.”
Ezequiel had already seen strong examples of social circus work in Bolivia and Turkey.
“We traveled to different cities and worked with children. I don’t want to say we were helping – because if I say that, it sounds like I’m better. But I was learning too.”
Last year, Ezequiel went to Goris, Kornidzor, and travelled around Shirak Marz to show people what social circus is and how they can be part of it.
“Armenians like new things, but not many people want to keep doing them. Everything is still new here, so it takes more time than in other places.”
A Place Where Everyone Is Equal
Ezequiel believes social circus can create equality – because during play, all social rules and roles disappear.
“It’s so important to bring play back into our lives – especially for adults. Kids play and laugh, but adults forget they need that too. The circus is a circle where everyone has equal opportunities.”
In a social circus, everyone has equal chances. It also teaches people how to communicate, connect, and see the world in new ways. It helps improve balance and hand-eye coordination.
“Circus includes many forms of art – juggling, acrobatics, music, makeup, costumes. People often think it’s something silly or not for them. But for example, anyone can juggle with balls – it’s like a stress-relief tool, even better than a cigarette.”
He believes that everyone has some kind of artistic talent. The social circus is a simple way to help people discover that.
One of Many in Argentina, the Only One in Armenia
Ezequiel doesn’t complain about a lack of work in Armenia. In Argentina, Bolivia or Europe, there are thousands of jugglers. In Armenia, he is the only one.
He still works at Unison, and also teaches functional juggling at the Mayri Center. He works with people with Alzheimer’s as well. Each place is different, but they all help people with special needs feel part of society.
He still works at Unison, and also teaches functional juggling at the Mayri Center. He works with people with Alzheimer’s as well. Each place is different, but they all help people with special needs feel part of society.
“It’s important for everyone to feel small victories every day and enjoy the process. People with special needs move slower, and the world is moving fast. We need to help them keep up.”
A Dream to Travel with the Circus Across Armenia
That is exactly why he came back. Now that he has Armenian residency, Ezequiel plans to start an NGO, build a community of like-minded friends (his project is open to everyone!), and bring the circus to all corners of the country.
He has already brought his circus to Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Shirak, and this year he wants to visit northern Armenia.
Ezequiel doesn’t imagine staying in Armenia all the time – his work needs travel and meeting new people. But he sees Armenia as the place to bring his biggest dream to life.
Back in Argentina, he juggled three jobs and had no time for anything else. But in Armenia, he has found space for hobbies – like playing guitar and performing with the Mihr Theatre.
He has already brought his circus to Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Shirak, and this year he wants to visit northern Armenia.
Ezequiel doesn’t imagine staying in Armenia all the time – his work needs travel and meeting new people. But he sees Armenia as the place to bring his biggest dream to life.
Back in Argentina, he juggled three jobs and had no time for anything else. But in Armenia, he has found space for hobbies – like playing guitar and performing with the Mihr Theatre.
“When I first arrived, people asked, ‘Are you Armenian?’ I said, ‘I’m Argentinian.’ Now I say, ‘I’m Armenian.’ I’ve grown closer to the people – not the country, but the people. Armenia is its people. And that’s who I want to build this social circus for.”
And the dream? “To buy a big van, live in it, travel to every town and village across Armenia, and bring my circus to everyone.”
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