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International
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International is a broad term that can refer to anything between or among nations. It can include international trade, the International Monetary Fund, international travel, the International Space Station, and the International Energy Agency.

Date

Aug 01 2025

International Clown Week

Clowns have been around for centuries, entertaining people of all ages. International Clown Week is a time to celebrate these wonderful performers and their contribution to the world of entertainment. From August 1-7, clowns across the globe will be celebrating with special events and performances reflecting on this ancient person who is the origin of laughing.

Our word “clown” comes from the old Icelandic word klunni, which meant “clumsy person,” and is connected to other archaic words like clod, clump, or klutz, which came from old Middle High German. That term is still used today to describe someone who constantly trips over his two left feet.

It’s not easy to make a living as a comedian. It takes a particular kind of individual to be able to make jokes on a regular basis. The preparation is nothing to laugh at, based on the concept that comedians devote enough attention to their jobs to construct a code of principles known as The Eight Clown Commandments.

What is Clown Week all about?

Clown Week was originally held in the 1950s. The first Clown Week was organized by Walt “Wabo” Savage, who is usually recognized for founding it.

August was most likely picked since it fell on the same day as his two young children’s birthdays.

Frank “Kelly the Clow” in 1966, Ray Bickford, President of the Clown Club of America, named Kelly as the principal International Clown Week director.

The Clowns of America International Gathering takes place over the course of a week and includes a variety of activities and festivities. Shows are put on by volunteers, while exhibitions are put on by comedians. Some comedians get their neighborhood chairman to designate International Clown Week as a city festivity to coincide with the week.

Circus Monti Clowns
Circus Monti Clowns

History Of International Clown Week

Although perspectives differ on who came up with the concept for a clown week or who was the first to petition their lawmakers for a proclamation declaring it a national holiday, clowns everywhere are delighted it happened.

The event had a humble beginning in the early 1950s, according to history, but on October 8, 1970, the House and Senate accepted the proclamation and sent it to the president for signature into law.

President Nixon signed a proclamation declaring August 1st through 7th as the first official National Clown Week, on August 2nd, 1971.

“Whoever has heard a child’s laughter or seen the sudden delight on the face of a lonely old man has understood in those brief moments mysteries deeper than love,” the declaration begins.

The president believed that anything that brought people joy and happiness, especially children, deserved special attention.

Despite the fact that a proclamation declared the first week of August 1970 as National Clown Week, the tradition of praising the comedian and fooling continued year after year.

Why is it International Clown Week?

When COA (Clown of America) became COAI (Clown of America International), it was decided that International Clown Week should be honored rather than National Clown Week. Despite the fact that International Clown Week is celebrated all around the world, it is only “officially” recognized in the United States. Most clowns refer to it as Clown Week.

Interesting Facts About International Clown Week

Did you know that there’s an entire week dedicated to clowns? It’s true! Every year, during the first week of August, the world celebrates International Clown Week. Here are some fun facts about this wacky holiday:

  • The holiday was created by American clown Emmett Kelly Sr., also known as “Weary Willie.”
  • Kelly was one of the most famous clowns of his time, and he performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for more than 20 years.
  • During International Clown Week, clowns across the globe perform acts of kindness to spread happiness and laughter.
  • In addition to performing acts of kindness, many clowns also use this week to raise money for charities.
  • At the start of the ’50s, Clown Week was observed unofficially to some extent.
  • Joey, after the early 19th-century pantomime star Joseph Grimaldi, is the traditional clown nickname.
  • The term “clown” is thought to have originated from the Icelandic word “klunmi”, which means “clumsy person”.
  • Entrees (longer acts that contain gags and typically use a clowning framework); side dishes (a shorter, feature act between other show material); and interludes (a distraction-style set that the clown performs while rigging or equipment is being adjusted in the background) are the three types of clown acts.
  • Clowns International, the world’s oldest clown society, was founded in 1947. Grimaldi was the first panto clown to use white face make-up rather than a mask.
  • Clowns of America International is Clown Week’s official sponsor.
  • Coulrophobia is a fear of clowns that is not recognized as a disorder by the World Health Organization.
clown
clown

How To Celebrate International Clown Week 

How are you going to celebrate Clown Week? A question you’d be asked a lot in the run-up to August. People looking for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience will be captivated by the activities of the international clown week celebration.

The clowns’ makeup and appearance change from year to year, as do the shows and events. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, we have precisely the thing for you.

  • After seeing the celebration in malls, events, public gatherings, and other places, go the extra mile for the clown community. Spend the day in the clown cemetery wearing your clown makeup.
  • You can also put on your own tiny show, such as juggling or a basic magic act. Also, gather your friends and dress up as popular clown characters like Krusty the Clown, Kelly the Clown, and many more.
  • Don’t forget to share your photos via tales on social media networks. So that those who are unable to attend the celebration can still enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes.
  • And finally, how about having to book flights to America in August?

Yes, America is the gathering place for all famous clowns to put on a fantastic show for the audience. Seeing magic shows, clown skits, and dramas should all be on your to-do list this week. You’d be astounded by the clowns’ diversity in terms of content and talent.

International Clown Week Timeline

The Ancient Clowns lived around 2400 B.C

The first clowns were ever seen make an appearance.
2400 B.C.

16th Century Masked clown

Masking It in the 16th Century Masked clown characters such as Harlequin and Pirouette are introduced in an Italian theater.
16th Century

1768

The Clown Show Clowns become well-known as circus performers.
1768

The Evil Clowns

The Evil Clowns of 1981 In Boston, men dress up as clowns and harass schoolchildren.
1981

What do I give on Clowns Day?

There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a gift for Clowns Day. A simple card or a small token of appreciation will do. If you have a friend who is particularly fond of clowns, you could get them a clown-themed gift, such as a clown-themed mug or keychain. Whatever you give, make sure it comes from the heart.

Clowns Day is all about showing your friends how much you care about them.

Conclusion

Jokers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

On Weary Willie Day, honor the look who made the sad homeless man famous.

They create their own stories and characters.

Numerous jokesters will amass an after-party, just as VIPs do. Regrettably, not everyone finds comedians entertaining. Coulrophobia is a fear of jokesters that affects a large number of people. Famous personalities like Daniel Radcliffe and Johnny Depp, for example, are among those who suffer from coulrophobia.

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