Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI.

Highlights from Tomás

The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants. Read the about his impressions:

▪️Carnival of Cultures (19 May)

▪️Hors Cirque (30 May – 6 June)

▪️30th anniversary of YAAM (30 June)

▪️Carnival for the Future  (5 October)

A Warm Welcome in September

One of the year’s highlights was the Welcome Week for ESC Volunteers (16–22 September). Tomás’s thoughtful documentation, including a captivating video, showcased the energy and excitement of this special week. This weeklong event introduced new volunteers to our vibrant community, offering them a chance to meet their teams, explore our mission, and begin their journey with CABUWAZI. Read about it here.

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.

Read the about his impressions of attending the Carnival for the Future with the CABUWAZI volunteer crew:

“Hello, I’m Tomás, a volunteer and photographer with CABUWAZI, and I’d like to share our experience participating in the Carnival for the Future in Berlin—a unique event that brings together creativity, art, and activism to raise awareness on environmental and social issues. This carnival is a one-of-a-kind celebration where artists, activists, and citizens come together to imagine and express their vision for a more just and sustainable world.

This year, CABUWAZI prepared costumes that told a story about the urgency of protecting our planet. Inspired by environmental disasters, our costumes represented the impact of issues like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Some of us wore earthy tones and flame-like details to symbolize forest fires, while others drew inspiration from animals affected by habitat loss. Each costume conveyed a piece of the reality we face, along with a hopeful message that we can change it.

The energy in the streets of Neukölln was incredible. With giant bubbles, juggling, acrobatics, and our team of clowns, we brought CABUWAZI’s circus spirit to an open space, inviting the public to join and reflect. The humor and approachability of the clowns broke down barriers, allowing people of all ages to get involved and find in the carnival a place for connection and awareness.

The Carnival for the Future is so much more than just a celebration: it’s a reminder that change is possible when we unite. The community that came together around this event showed the power of art and shared commitment, illustrating how each of us can contribute to a better future. At CABUWAZI, we’re grateful to have been part of this initiative, and we hope this message of hope inspires everyone who participated. Thank you for joining us on this day of creativity and purpose!”– Tomás Sapia

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI.

The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants. Read the about his impression of one of the year’s highlights – the Welcome Week for ESC Volunteers (16–22 September). Tomás’s thoughtful documentation, including a captivating video, showcased the energy and excitement of this special week. This weeklong event introduced new volunteers to our vibrant community, offering them a chance to meet their teams, explore our mission, and begin their journey with CABUWAZI.

I was lucky to participate again in the welcome week for new volunteers at CABUWAZI, this time with the goal of documenting the experience through audiovisual recording. During those days, I met people from different parts of the world, including Peru, Italy, Serbia, Palestine, and Argentina. For me, as an Argentine who has been living abroad for a year and a half, it was very special to reconnect with Julieta, a new member from Argentina. Sharing mate with her made me feel at home, reminding me of the customs that accompany me and enjoying the same language and ways we share.

The week was filled with fun and enriching activities. We rode our bikes around Berlin, explored the different CABUWAZI tents, and got to know each other better through various dynamics. One of the highlights was our visit to a nearby forest, where we disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoyed a walk in nature. Even though I’m already familiar with the green spaces Berlin has to offer, it’s always refreshing to return to those places that allow us to escape the urban chaos and reconnect with tranquility.

This welcome week not only helped me build connections with other volunteers, but also reminded me of my own arrival in Berlin when everything was new and exciting. CABUWAZI is a safe and welcoming place where new volunteers can start their adventure with confidence. The warmth of the environment made me feel like part of a community, a home away from home, where every little gesture and activity allowed me to revive my roots and connect with my Latin American customs.

In summary, my participation in this welcome week was an incredibly enriching experience. I not only had the opportunity to share and build bonds with others, but I also documented unique moments that reflect the vibrant spirit of CABUWAZI. I am very grateful for the chance to contribute with my perspective and my audiovisual work, helping to capture the essence of this beautiful community.

– Tomás Sapia

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.

Read the about his impressions of attending the 30th anniversary of YAAM with the CABUWAZI volunteer crew:

“This year, we had the pleasure of celebrating the 30th anniversary of YAAM with a big children’s festival, and I felt honored to be part of the celebration alongside CABUWAZI.

YAAM is a unique and vibrant microcosm in the heart of Berlin, dedicated to social cohesion, multicultural encounters, art, and music. The festival offered a full program of fun activities: from the live concert by Muckemacher to the exciting hand circus and show by CABUWAZI. There were also instrument-making workshops, face painting, balloon figures, and a bouncy castle that delighted the little ones. Additionally, the sandy area by the river was the perfect spot for CABUWAZI to engage the children in circus games and let them enjoy moments of pure joy.

As a photographer, it was a pleasure to participate and play with the kids, showing them different games and seeing how amazed they were by everything we showed them, as if it were magic. Their smiles and laughter as they discovered new things made it an unforgettable experience. I love being involved in CABUWAZI projects in various locations, bringing color and emotion to different places.

By the end of the day, I had captured some beautiful portraits at the festival, along with the experience of working with such creative and passionate people. This celebration wasn’t just about an anniversary—it was a reminder of the importance of community, creativity, and love for the children. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful and joyful event.” – Tomás Sapia

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps. During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.

Read the about his impressions of a week in Marseille at the Hors Cirque seminar this summer:

“The project took place over a week in Marseille, France, at the Roudelet Felibren Provençal Cultural Center. The mission of Roudelet-Felibren is to preserve and defend everything related to Provence and its traditions that enrich the daily lives of its people.

Throughout the week, the project aimed to provide us with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and teaching methods, fostering meaningful connections. It was a week filled with sharing, learning, and understanding, not only through disciplines but also through cultures. What made this experience truly special was the diversity of the participants, who came from different countries and backgrounds. It was incredibly enriching to learn from so many disciplines, each with its own pedagogical approach and unique methodology.

My collaboration with the project was through photography. Through my camera, I tried to capture the unique expressions and moments that arose throughout the week, highlighting the best of each situation and each person. I am passionate about freezing those irretrievable instants and, in some way, preserving them forever. Every image I take seeks to tell a story, reflect the emotions experienced, and show the most authentic aspects of each moment. Being able to do this work, and also having the opportunity to travel while doing it, is something I love and for which I feel profoundly grateful.

Each night, we enjoyed homemade and authentic vegetarian meals prepared by the Roudelet-Felibren house, which included traditional French recipes. And as if that weren’t enough, we were also lucky enough to enjoy traditional dance performances from Marseille, which added a charming local touch to our evenings.

The workshops mainly took place at the cultural center, but one day we went for a picnic in a nearby park surrounded by lush greenery. It was a refreshing change of pace, allowing us to enjoy outdoor activities and strengthen bonds in a natural and serene environment.

During the week, we prepared for a grand finale: a public performance on the beaches of Marseille. It was the perfect culmination of everything we had learned and shared over the days, uniting talent, creativity, and community against the spectacular backdrop of the sea. It was not just a show; it was a celebration, a moment when we all came together to reflect on what had been an unforgettable experience. We spent that final day not only performing but also enjoying the sun, sand, and vibrant atmosphere of the beach, a truly spectacular way to close the project. Looking back, what resonates most with me is the opportunity to connect with so many talented people and learn from their different approaches, techniques, and cultural perspectives. It was fascinating to see how each person, shaped by their own experiences, contributed something unique to the project. The knowledge I gained, both practical and personal, is something I will carry with me long after the project has ended. And perhaps most importantly, I leave with new friendships and a network of incredible people, all united by our shared passion for creativity and learning.

 This week was not only an opportunity for artistic growth but also a chance to deepen my understanding of the rich cultural heritage of France and how it intertwines with contemporary practices. I leave feeling inspired, humbled, and grateful for the experience, with a strong desire to continue learning from the talented individuals I had the privilege to meet.” – Tomás Sapia

Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps. During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.

Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.

Read the about his impressions of Carnival of Cultures, that he attend with the volunteers crew in May:

“The Carnival of Cultures is a multicultural festival held every year in Kreuzberg, Berlin, since 1996, coinciding with the Pentecost weekend. Organized by the Werkstatt der Kulturen, the festival celebrates peace, tolerance, and multiculturalism through vibrant processions, theatrical performances, and musical events. It’s a space where the diverse cultures that inhabit Berlin come together to share and celebrate what makes them unique. This year, I had the privilege of participating with CABUWAZI, a circus from Berlin that took part in the festivities. We joined the procession wearing colorful and beautiful costumes representing the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. It was an impressive visual display, where every detail was designed to symbolize the harmony and power of nature.

Personally, I dedicated myself to documenting the festival with my camera, capturing every moment from the streets of Berlin while hundreds of people admired us.The energy in the streets was indescribable. We were accompanied by other projects from different cultures, creating an incredibly rich blend of sounds, colors, and expressions. Behind us, a Brazilian band marched, their infectious rhythm encouraging us to dance and prompting us to showcase the best of our performance. For me, it was a particularly special experience. I am Latino, and sometimes, living in Europe, I miss the warmth and flavor of my homeland. But in that moment, while dancing to the Brazilian music, I felt I could reconnect with that essence that I miss so much. The warmth of the Brazilian music, the movement of the bodies, and the energy transmitted through the dance took me back home, if only for a moment. It was as if, through those sounds and that festive atmosphere, I could once again experience the passion and spirit of Latin America that I always carry with me.

I was thrilled to share that moment not only with the audience but also with my fellow CABUWAZI members and the diversity of cultures surrounding us. The Carnival of Cultures is undoubtedly a celebration of diversity at its finest. But beyond diversity, for me, it was an opportunity to feel connected to my roots, to remember where I come from, and to see how, even in a cosmopolitan city like Berlin, cultures can intertwine so naturally. At the end of the day, what I take away is that feeling of unity, belonging, and shared joy. It was a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s always possible to find a piece of your home through art, music, and dance.” – Tomás Sapia