Circus historians use to put the foundation of this important circus dynasty in 1820, Paolo OrfeiÕs date of birth.
The story, that takes the colors of legend as usually happens in the circus, tells that Paolo who was a Massalombarda priest without a true vocation, preferred to follow the way of tumblers, after a short break as a concert artist.
He married Pasqua Massari (n.1834 in Argenta, Ferrara), who gave him a son, Ferdinando, who since his youth, revealed himself as a amazing trumpeter. One day Ferdinando decided to leave anything and lead a little circus that showed comedies and acrobatics, as tumblers were used to in that eve.
Alessandro Cervellati wrote:

“... Ferdinando was also an able mat and springboard jumper. While working in Busseto, he met Giuseppe Verdi thanks to his ability with trumpet. During his staying in Bologna, a bold rivalry grew between him and Montino circus in VII August square, caused by his musical parades concerts, in which his trumpet was the main support). This helped people come to his circus, to give him fame and to rout the competitors."

Ferdinando Orfe, often misunderstood as the founder of the family, was the first and real circus player in the dynasty, even though it’s certain that the name Orfei appeared for the first time in 1820, among the travelling theatre companies, heirs of Comedy of Art.