More Than A Band: The Family Circus of Los Caligaris

By Maria Franco | Teresa Coben

They may be known for their joyful chaos and vibrant circus acts on stage, but what truly fuels the magic of Los Caligaris is a bond far deeper than any performance: family. This story goes beyond the bright lights and iconic clown costumes to reveal the authentic, human dynamic that has kept this band together for decades. As we explore the unique dynamic between founding members, Martín Pampiglione and Raul Sencillez, and how their shared history anchors the entire group. From navigating creative differences to handling the pressures of life on the road, we’ll uncover the secrets to their enduring harmony.

“We are, you could say, the fifth generation of a circus family,” Martín adds, highlighting the long lineage of performers in their blood. This background explains why the fusion of music and circus arts came so naturally.

“The circus and music are very much related,” Raúl explains.

“In fact, we grew up in a circus and all our relatives… everyone made music, everyone sang, everyone played an instrument”. He recalls the band’s beginnings with a gift from a great-uncle: a vintage drum set from the 60s or 70s that was kept in the circus.

“All the acrobats and all the circus artists who were our family played music, so that’s where a little bit of the roots come from, not only circus but also musical roots that we have”. That organic blend of talents is what led to their “songs to see” philosophy. The band realized early on that their circus routines resonated deeply with the audience.

Raúl remembers, “when Martín would put down the guitar and do a flip in the air, people applauded us more than when we tried to do a guitar solo”. This wasn’t a calculated move; it was an authentic expression of who they were.

“It was kind of a natural thing how it happened, and we kept incorporating it,” Raúl says. The rest of the band, inspired by this ethos, began taking circus classes to learn acrobatics, juggling, and other acts to incorporate into the show. Their history as a collective is defined by this shared evolution. They see themselves as a unit, a family, rather than a group with a single leader. As Martín puts it,

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