BEIRUT: For the Togni family, the circus is more than a career, it is a way of life.

Their genetically transmitted adventurous spirit has brought them for the first time to Beirut, with the collaboration of the Italian Culture Ministry and the Lebanese Tourism Ministry, to present the National Italian Circus Il Florilegio.

The term Florilegio is Italian for bouquet, meaning a collection of the best numbers according to general assistant Isabelle Gillier.

Livio Togni has been in the circus business his whole life, as his father, grand father and those before them were.

The roots of this circus can be traced back 130 years he proudly stated. This circus is our life, we have created a closely knitted community that is now our home, and as we travel we live collective strong experiences that bring us even more together.

Il Florilegio was crowned the National Italian Circus in 1938 by decree of King Victor Emmanuel III who was famous for his love of entertainment.

As for today, Livios sons Steve and Max have taken over the torch, the first being the star of the show and the second being the director. Steve graduated high school in Italy and went on to study accounting until he was 19 years old, while still touring with his family during vacations. He also started coaching tennis at a young age, but no matter what he did with his life, he could not tame his urge to follow in his ancestors footsteps and surrender to the magic of the circus life.

My brother and I are the sixth generation to take over the circus, how could I not carry on this dynasty? he asked.

I especially love the contact I have with the animals. Contrary to what many people think, they are not my slaves, they are my partners and friends, we share a strong bond Steve said as we were touring the animal area in the back of the marquee.

And as we approached the tigers cage where three beautiful creatures were lying peacefully, Steve lifted his hand to the thick steel bars. The male tiger, biggest in size, quickly approached to greet him as he gracefully stood up on his two back feet and placed his front paws on the cage as if to hug his friend and trainer.

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Italian family brings wonderous circus 'community' to Beirut