Ethiopia hosts more than 100,000 refugees in the Beninshangul-Gumuz region, near the border with Sudan. Hunger, armed conflict and forced displacement shape the daily lives of thousands of families seeking protection and dignity.
The team made up of Diana Pla, Moisès Queralt, Pau Segalés and Albert Grau “Denguito” traveled to Assosa to bring clown, music and circus performances to the refugee camps of Ura, Tsore, Sherkole and Bambasi. Over the course of 12 days, they carried out 14 performances, reaching nearly 23,000 children and offering emotional support, spaces for play and moments of relief amid uncertainty.
Albert Grau “Denguito” shares how they experienced it.
“I am truly fascinated by the people I have encountered in Ethiopia. You look at them and see their noble side; they walk upright, with dignity. But the most surprising thing, what has made me fall in love, is the Ethiopian smile. It is the reflection of the soul of a tremendously beautiful country—so beautiful that its beauty is reflected in the expression of its people. ” (Pepe Rubianes – “Me voy”)
I had always wanted to go to Ethiopia. It is a country that awakens my curiosity and, as a follower of Pepe Rubianes, I had always dreamed of seeing the “Ethiopian smile” up close.
From October 27 to November 7, a team from Clowns Without Borders traveled to Assosa, specifically to the Beninshangul-Gumuz region, near the border with Sudan, to perform in the refugee camps of Ura, Tsore, Sherkole and Bambasi. More than 100,000 refugees live there, fleeing years of war, hunger and poverty—of injustice and neglect.
In 12 days, we performed 14 shows and reached nearly 23,000 children, adults and elderly people.
Africa teaches you to value human dignity. In Assosa, a town of 20,000 inhabitants, we experienced true solidarity. People are kind, fair and welcoming. There are no problems of coexistence between locals and refugees, nor religious conflicts.
Organized by Clowns Without Borders and UNHCR, with the support of the Barcelona City Council, a team of artists made up of Diana Pla, Moisès Queralt, Pau Segalés and myself, Albert Grau “Denguito,” traveled to Assosa to provide emotional support through laughter and humor to Sudanese children. Because laughter knows no borders, because everyone has the right to laugh, because laughter is part of humanity’s shared heritage.
“Ia Paié Iapaipapa, Ia Paié Iapaipá! Ayenguele ayenguele ayenguele Iá!” sang the clown Solina (Diana Pla) at the end of each performance. The children repeated it in amazement, joining their voices into one sound of happiness and sincere gratitude.
Authenticity and gratitude: that is what we received in every refugee camp where we shared our shows of circus, magic, music, songs and 100% Clowns Without Borders spirit.
We arrived at the camps surrounded by thousands of curious and expectant eyes. The welcome was always a respectful silence before we began. Questions floated in the air: “Who are they? Where do they come from? What will they do?” We drew a large circle on the ground, placed the instruments in the center, and the audience gathered around.
We begin the ritual. We change and put on our makeup in front of the audience. We gather our energy with a complicit hug and… the show begins!
A welcome song, a trumpet, and a big fall flat on the ground! Ouch! Denguito cries, and the first laughter erupts. Then the play is unleashed and doesn’t stop—the festival explodes. Applause and hearty rhythms with Moi, incredible magic with Pau, acrobatics and dancing with Diana, unicycle and juggling… and more songs to end up dancing together. It is a total celebration—the Clowns Without Borders celebration in Ethiopia.
We all laugh at the same things, we all get emotional, and we all need laughter to live. We are the same and we are different; difference brings us closer and makes us better people. And above all, it gives us a more joyful world.
“Africa gives you the opportunity to become a child again, to be amazed. And that is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you in life ” (Pepe Rubianes).
I want to stay there forever. I don’t want to lose a single moment of what I have lived. I want to keep forever the red earth, the gazes and the smiles of Sudan.
We cannot forget them.
Thank you to Clowns Without Borders and UNHCR for the opportunity, and for continuing to fight to make a better, fairer and more joyful world for everyone.
Thank you Diana, Moi and Pau—travel companions, clowns and wonderful people.
Thank you Shikur Aminu, the best driver.
Thank you UNHCR Ethiopia for your work and support.
Thank you to the staff of the Bamboo Paradise Hotel for the hospitality and good humor.
Thank you, Pepe Rubianes, for the inspiration.
Thank you, friends of Assosa.
Written by Albert Grau Mateu “Denguito” on November 19, 2025.
