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1850s: The true story of the 1850s ‘Ape woman’ Julia Pastrana
Julia Pastrana
What you need to know before your trail
‘Julia Pastrana’ is the shocking story of a young woman who, because of her physical appearance, is hurled into the circus sideshows of the 1850’s. She soon finds herself rescued from this miserable existence by the handsome and charismatic Theodor Lent. Is this her dream come true or the beginning of her worst nightmare?
Travel Guide
Mexico
Julia Pastrana was a real life figure from history. She was born in 1834 in Mexico and was considered a freak from birth. However, she was also intelligent, spoke three languages, was very accomplished in singing and dancing…but because of her unusual features and facial hair, she was described as a ‘bear woman’ and forced into a circus freak show.
America – European tour
Many exploited her and the circuses made money from her. Everyone who paid to come and see her was part of this charade. She was on display in shows and circuses all over Europe including Berlin, London and then across in Moscow. The shows were numerous and often not in theatres but in travelling circuses and freak shows which travelled across cities, villages and to everywhere caught up in the freak shows of the 1850s.
Even after her death, she wasn’t free – her remains were put on display in Oslo and her baby’s remains were destroyed by thieves . She was returned to her native Mexico and buried at peace only in 2013.
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: Julia Pastrana
Author/Guide: Sandy Olson Destination: Sinaloa de Leyva, Moscow, Worldwide Departure Time: 1850s
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