Cavalia's Charity Holiday Spectacular

The show that’s galloped through San Diego at full speeds took it down to a trot Wednesday afternoon, as Cavalia shared holiday cheer with deserving children and their families.

The 50 horses and 42 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians presented a special Cavalia: Charity Holiday Spectacular that invited clients of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to delight in the mesmerizing, touching show that captures the bond between man and horse throughout the ages.  

The cast of this equestrian spectacular welcomed young and old to enjoy a condensed version of the actual show. They put together a 45-minute edition of the best, most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring scenes for the families most touched by hunger in San Diego. Tiny voices squealed in excitement as horses dashed across stage, aerial contortionists performed gravity-defying stunts and high-speed riders directed six horses at once. Complimentary concessions were given to all.

Prior to this special Charity Holiday Spectacular, Cavalia had been collecting monetary donations and canned goods for the San Diego Food Bank, given to guests at the entrance to the White Big Top.

Once the show concluded, performers conducted an exclusive Q&A session with the audience. Little ones asked astute questions such as, “Is it scary to ride the horses?” “What does Cavalia mean?” but most importantly, “What are the horses names?” Then, they headed backstage for a stable tour with the cast of Cavalia. Many had their first opportunity to come face-to-muzzle with a horse – the unbridled joy in the White Big Top was infectious.

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in San Diego County.  This special Charity Holiday Spectacular was assembled in less than a week out of the good hearts of Cavalia cast members, production staff and team.

Before its first Australian tour, the show sought to make a lasting mark on San Diego by reaching out to those in need. Cavalia finishes its run here in San Diego with new dates on sale for the holiday season, scheduled from Dec. 22 to Jan. 6. The show is now running in the White Big Top located in the parking lot adjacent to Petco Park. Inside, a 160-foot wide stage allows horses to roam and run with freedom. For more information and ticket sales, visit cavalia.net.

Discover more photos from Cavalia: Charity Holiday Spectacular in our photo gallery