The beloved clown Canilla of Camagüey dies

With immense regret, family, friends, colleagues and the public of Agustín Hernández Viera, the dear Canilla clown, they have regretted their death last Friday, in Camagüey.

The news spread in publications on social networks, which recognized the acting talent, dedication to work and love for his audience, especially children, of the popular artist of the Areíto Circus of Camagüey.

Hernández died last February 16, at night.

“Today we have very sad news: last night our great friend Agustín Hernández, better known as the clown Canilla of the Circo Areíto of Camagüey, died, a very talented artist who brought a lot of joy to Cuban children and families. I give my deepest condolences (sic) to his entire family and that EPD. "Friend, we will always remember you for being the man you were and for making us laugh so much, may God have you in glory." wrote on Facebook his friend Lucio Estevez.

On the same social network, Adiel Morales Rodríguez, the Cebollita clown, dedicated a moving message to his colleague, lamenting his death and praising his acting skills and making thousands of people laugh.

“Yesterday, February 16, at 9:40 at night, a great door of joy closed. One of the most beloved clowns in this city closed his eyes. Agustín Hernández, the former clown Canilla, ceased to exist, and with him come millions and millions of applause, cheers and laughter,” Morales said.

“Someone once said that artists are channels through which energy flows. If, in addition to that, that artist is a clown, the energy he transmits is very positive, full of joy and laughter. (…) When the artist ceases to exist in this earthly world, that channel is closed forever in this dimension,” he reflected, while recognizing qualities and evoking some moments from Canilla's career.

“Extremely dedicated to his work, which he began to do at a very early age with his little sister in a circus familiar. He grew, physically and artistically, and traveled to the farthest reaches of his beautiful island, bringing joy to adults and children. An artist who created many outings and reprises, among which is remembered the one with the machete that opened 'in two covers' at the crack of a whip," he recalled.

“Canilla left us. Those of us who saw him work and those of us who did not have that enormous privilege give him the biggest applause for how great he was. Today I feel proud to have given him some joy when on December 19, 2020, the artists of Circo Areíto were able to pay tribute to him and his co-workers in a show,” Morales recalled.

“I want to think that Canilla left amidst applause, and with applause heaven welcomed him, grateful for so much dedication and so much love. Our pain is united to his family and our recognition is eternal for the icon of clowns in our city. Up, gentleman, the dangerous one has arrived!!! Goodbye Canilla!!!”, concluded the heartfelt message from his colleague Cebollita, who conveyed the admiration and recognition of the people of Camagüey, and Cubans who knew him, to the clown who gave the best of his art to the public.

In 2017, the first edition of the Meeting of Clowns “Diagnosis of laughter”, in Camagüey, was dedicated to the actress Nilda Collado and the clown Canilla.

At the time of publishing this note, the causes of the death of the popular circus artist had not been revealed. Agustín Hernández Viera is survived by his wife and children.