The Carpa Cubana and Sabino Gomez Photograph Collections

History

The carpas have had a lasting influence on contemporary Mexican-American Theater and have created characters such as the pelado, or underdog, who used comedy to comment on working-class Mexican-American life that would be familiar to today's audiences. Active from around 1910 until the 1940s, the carpas combined traditional circus acts such as acrobats and clowns with theatrical performances such as singing, dancing, and comedy routines.

San Antonio was the hub of carpa activity in Texas. Several carpas were based in San Antonio, most notably La Carpa Garcia and La Carpa Cubana. These family-based carpa troupes were a popular form of entertainment among working class families with roots in Mexico. The carpas primarily traveled to and performed in rural Texas towns, but some traveled as far as away as New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

About the Collection

Sabino Gomez was a performer in La Carpa Cubana. The photographs in his collection date between 1901 and 1945 and document the performers of La Carpa Cubana and his friends. La Carpa Cubana was operated by the Virgilio Abreu family of San Antonio. The photographs in the collection date between 1921 and 1957 and document the daily life of the family, their friends and fellow performers.



At a Glance



Cite This Collection

Here is our suggested citation. Consult an appropriate style guide for conformance to specific guidelines.

The Carpa Cubana and Sabino Gomez Photograph Collections in The Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/CARPA/ accessed March 29, 2024.



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