Julia Holland

Hello, I am Julia and I live in Mexico. I am a certified Yoga instructor, anthropologist turned circus artist, and born sports and physical activity e...nthusiast. I am originally from Austin, Texas, USA, but have spent the last 10 years living in Mexico or traveling with Mexican based performance companies as a performer. My experience as an anthropologist, an athlete, a performer, and a teacher in these aforementioned professions and disciplines shapes my style and breadth of knowledge as a travel writer. I came to Mexico as an anthropologist working with the UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonomo de Mexico) on a conservation project in the rainforests of Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico that lies on the Guatemalan border. Over the course of my anthropological work in Chiapas, I fell in love with Mexico; the pure and savage beauty of nature, the humility and warmth of the local people, the rich and varied culture born of indigenous and Spanish fusion or “mestizaje.” I decided to stay and began traveling for two years around the Republic, for stints by myself, and for other stints with street and circus performers I met during my time in Chiapas. I ended up dedicating my life full-time to circus performance and yoga teaching in the Caribbean town of Playa del Carmen where I have established a home base. I have since been contracted to perform in many countries including, Turkey, Japan, Canada, the U.S., and Thailand. I call Mexico home, but I also spend at least 3 to 6 months abroad performing or training which both fulfills my anthropological wanderlust and reinforces the bond I have with my beloved Mexico.