Fundația PARADA
Fundația PARADA is a Romanian foundation established in 1996 in Bucharest, specializing in the social and educational support of children and young people in precarious situations. It uses circus arts as a tool for learning, personal expression, and social integration. Its social circus activities include juggling, acrobatics, magic, clowning, and the preparation of group performances. Through participatory pedagogy, the workshops foster coordination, creativity, self-confidence, cooperation, and empowerment of participants. A member of the European CARAVAN network of social circus schools, the foundation combines artistic practice, non-formal education, and social support. Its programs are primarily aimed at young people receiving support from its services, and not at a general public with open enrollment.
040292 Bucarest
Fundația PARADA is a Romanian non-profit organization created in 1996 in Bucharest. It supports children, adolescents and young adults facing precariousness, social exclusion or family difficulties, by combining social assistance , non-formal education and artistic activities .
The social circus as an educational approach
Social circus has a long-standing place in its educational approach. It allows participants to discover their abilities, develop their self-confidence, and build positive relationships with others. Learning circus techniques is viewed both as an artistic practice and as a tool for social integration .
The activities offered
Activities include, but are not limited to:
- juggling
- ground acrobatics
- dexterity exercises
- magic
- stage expression
Participants can progress individually, work in groups, and prepare public presentations. The performances are the culmination of an educational journey rather than an end in themselves.
The day center
The foundation has historically operated a day center located at Strada Bucur 23 in Bucharest. This center hosts educational and social activities; a circus training room is also documented there. The workshops are part of a broader support program that includes assistance , socialization , and reintegration initiatives.
A pedagogy based on participation
PARADA's pedagogy values participation , creativity , personal discipline , cooperation , and the recognition of each individual's skills . It is primarily aimed at children and young people supported by the foundation's social programs.
A foothold in the European CARAVAN network
The association belongs to the European CARAVAN network, which brings together organizations using circus arts for social and educational purposes. It has a long history of teaching circus techniques to audiences who are not traditionally involved in cultural activities.
In 2022 , its activity report mentioned three social circus trainers and workshops organized for disadvantaged children as well as refugee children. The foundation continues its social activities in 2026 , the year of its thirtieth anniversary .
A major player in the social circus in Romania
Fundația PARADA is thus an important player in the social circus in Romania. It distinguishes itself from a traditional leisure school through its mission to support young people in difficulty.
Information to be verified
The current arrangements for participation in the circus workshops must be confirmed directly with the organization .
