TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Circus troupe Formosa Circus Art (FOCA) brought laughter and tears to residents of Kinmen County on Saturday (June 15).

According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture (MOC) on Saturday, the event featured a creative market that started at 2 p.m. with stalls offering handmade crafts and food. Street performers impressed the crowds with juggling acts and six performance groups took turns entertaining audiences.

Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧) and Kinmen County Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Lu Kun-ho (呂坤和) joined the evening event, and used juggling pins resembling sorghum wine bottles to “toast” with the audience. Lee thanked FOCA for their resilience in performing in Penghu in 2023, which drew an audience of 10,000, despite a typhoon nearby.

This year, FOCA again took on the role of “island advocate,” bringing joy and courage to Kinmen as part of their mission to promote cultural equality through performances across Taiwan and outlying islands, CNA.

FOCA founder Lin Chih-wei (林智偉) recalled their last visit to Kinmen in 2018, which sold out completely. After a six-year hiatus, Lin said they returned to find the community eagerly anticipating the performance.

“The show featured a blend of fantastical and luxurious stage sets, stunning physical feats, dynamic dances, and vocal performances, providing an exhilarating visual and sensory experience,” he said.

Founded in 2011, FOCA mixes acrobatics and theater arts and employs over 20 full-time members.