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Get ready to put on your red nose and oversized shoes because it's time to celebrate International Clown Week on August 1! This fun-filled holiday was established in 1971 to honor the art of clowning and spread joy and laughter around the world. Clowns have been entertaining people for centuries with their silly antics and colorful costumes, and this week is all about celebrating their unique talents. So whether you're a professional clown or just someone who loves a good laugh, get ready to join in on the festivities and embrace your inner clown!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Clowning Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The modern concept of the clown, as a humorous, absurd character in exaggerated costumes and makeup, emerged in the 19th century theatre, particularly in the English pantomime and circus.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Clown College Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, the first of its kind, was founded to preserve the art of clowning and provide training to those interested in the art form.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>TV Clowns Emerge</div><div class='timeline-text'>Successful television shows featuring clowns like Bozo the Clown or Ronald McDonald character became popular, integrating clowns into popular culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Clown Week Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Congress, followed by a proclamation by President Nixon, officially designated the first week of August as International Clown Week to honor the art of clowning.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Clown Hall of Fame</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Clown Hall of Fame was established in Wisconsin, celebrating outstanding professional clowns from around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Clown Festivals Worldwide</div><div class='timeline-text'>International clown festivals and conventions, such as Clownfest and World Clown Association Convention, became popular, providing a platform for clowns to network and exchange ideas.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a clown-themed event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events or festivals celebrating International Clown Week and attend one! You'll get to see some amazing clown performances and be surrounded by like-minded clown enthusiasts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress up as a clown</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of International Clown Week by dressing up as a clown! You can go all out with full face paint and a big red nose, or keep it simple with a colorful wig and oversized clothes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread joy and laughter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Clowns are known for bringing joy and laughter to others, so why not do the same during International Clown Week? Visit a children's hospital, nursing home, or community event and share your clowning skills with those who could use a smile.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn clowning techniques</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a class or workshop on clowning to learn new techniques and skills. You'll not only have fun, but also improve your clowning abilities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a classic clown movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch a classic clown movie like "It" or "The Greatest Show on Earth" to celebrate the art of clowning and its history.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings joy and laughter to people of all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Clowning is a timeless form of entertainment that has been making people smile for centuries. Whether it's in a circus, at a birthday party, or on the street, clowns have a special ability to spread happiness and bring out the inner child in everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates an iconic part of our culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Clowns have been a staple in popular culture for decades and are instantly recognizable with their vibrant costumes and colorful makeup. International Clown Week allows us to recognize and honor this beloved part of our society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases the talent and hard work of professional clowns</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Clowning may seem like just fun and games, but being a professional clown requires a lot of skill, dedication, and practice. International Clown Week is a time to appreciate and recognize the hard work and talent of those who make us laugh.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Clown Characters are Often Based on Social Roles</h3><p class='facts-content'>Clown characters often mirror real-world professions or classes, such as the hobo or the doctor. These characters offer comical reinterpretations of those roles, shedding light on their absurdities and creating an invitation to laugh.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Whiteface Clown is One of the Oldest Styles</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Whiteface clown is a traditional type of clown that dates back to the 1800s. This character often takes on the role of the ringleader or authority figure among other clowns, hence setting up a humorous power play.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Art of Clowning is a Serious Study</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though the result might seem like pure silliness, clowning is an artform that requires study and skill. A professional clown must master physical comedy, juggling, mime, acrobatics, and sometimes even puppetry or magic.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Largest Gathering of Clowns Took Place in London</h3><p class='facts-content'>The largest gathering of people dressed as clowns was recorded on August 6, 2011, in London. The event, which was organized by the Clown Church in Dalston, London, had 850 participants.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Red Nose Day, a Charity Event, Is Also Connected to Clowns</h3><p class='facts-content'>Red Nose Day, a day celebrated globally to raise money for charitable causes through comedy, is symbolized by a red clown nose. It signals that humor can serve serious causes, much in the spirit of clowning.</p></div></div>
International Clown Week is celebrated on August 1 every year. In 2024, International Clown Week will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 1
Tuesday
2024
Aug 1
Thursday
2025
Aug 1
Friday
2026
Aug 1
Saturday
2027
Aug 1
Sunday
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