Paranormal Cirque in Yakima Raises Religious Controversy
Symbols represent ideologies. If the CEO of Pepsi was caught drinking a Coke, we'd ask questions about their brand loyalty. The same is true of a professing Christian being seen wearing pentagrams; we'd logically ask whether they're truly bought into the faith. Here's a Yakima event that made us pause and ask a few questions.
A Paranormal Circus Visits Yakima
From June 21-24, a horror-themed circus was held at the Yakima State Fair Park, by the SunDome. The show was called the "Paranormal Cirque," and featured a fusion of acrobatics, cabaret, and theater. It was listed as an R-rated event.
Images from the Paranormal Cirque's Instagram account with marketing specific to the Yakima show.
The symbolism the show employed was clearly Satanic, but it's tough to say whether it was being used maliciously, or simply for the purposes of provocative marketing.
The intent of the Paranormal Cirque is further complicated by claims of Catholicism from leadership. We'll explain the history.
The Cirque Italia | Catholic or Satanic?
The Paranormal Cirque is actually part of a much larger parent organization called the Cirque Italia, founded in 2012 by Manuel Rebecchi.
The Cirque Italia has several different branches, each with their own style. There are two other water cirques and even an extreme motor stunt group, in addition to three paranormal-themed cirques. The troupe that visited Yakima was Paranormal Cirque II.
Rebecchi also has a very interesting lineage. His aunt was the acclaimed Moira Orfei, considered the queen of Italian circus who even had a significant film career overseas. The family's roots are allegedly Romani.
Google Search of Moira Orfei, the aunt of Manuel Rebecchi and longstanding queen of Italian circus. Manuel Rebecchi claims Catholicism at a press conference in Lake Charles, LA. The Cirque Italia advertises not one, but several Paranormal Cirques.
However, when public concern was raised about the Paranormal Cirque being Satanic, Rebecchi spoke out, saying:
"When you actually see the show and you see our video, you can see the adults having a great time. Nobody here is eating children, or doing voodoo stuff. I’m against it. I’m a Catholic. I go to church, I try to go to church every Sunday...We care about your family and your children. We want to give a good example, but this is an adult show."
-Manuel Rebecchi on KPLC TV (May 1, 2019 in Lake Charles, LA)
Yakima's Response to the Paranormal Cirque
While the true religious alignment of the Paranormal Cirque is ambiguous, Yakima's own religious response was very clear. There was a small group of people who decided to stand in the gap and offer Christian prayer.
Allegations of Age Violations
Some allegations did arise from the prayer group that they had seen underage youth being admitted in. We have been unable to verify this allegation.
There was a very clear age limit set out for the event:
- Age 13-17 is welcome with adult discretion.
- Anyone under 17 requires accompaniment by an adult age 21 with photo ID.
Of course, people are going to try and violate this rule, whether it's youth sneaking in, or the box office trying to make a last minute dollar. It's not surprising given the here-and-gone, underground nature of Cirques.
Our Final Conclusion on the Paranormal Cirque
This isn't the first time the Paranormal Cirque has come to Yakima, and it probably won't be the last. The religious alignment of the Cirque is unclear. We appreciate that their leadership claims Christ and a value for families, but their theming leaves us asking some questions, naturally.
We also want to thank that prayer group for not being ambiguous in their own stance – they overtly believed that the Paranormal Cirque was demonically inspired. They are not the first people to think this, nor will they be the last. Besides, Yakima needs all the prayer it can get.
If the Church of Yakima truly has an issue with the Paranormal Cirque, they should address it according to the procedure Jesus outlined in Matthew 18.
