European clown traditions

European clown traditions have deep historical roots, often associated with festival and theatrical cultures across the continent. Clowns and jesters served as entertainers, buffoons, or satirical figures, performing during festivals like Carnival or in royal courts, blending humor, physical comedy, and social critique. Notable examples include the Italian Com media dell’arte with characters like Harlequin, and the British tradition of the fool. These traditions emphasize improvisation, exaggerated costumes, and expressive gestures, serving both entertainment and social commentary. Over centuries, they evolved into various regional styles, shaping modern clowning as a form of performance art rooted in European cultural history.