Carnival

A carnival is a traveling amusement show typically including rides, games, food, and entertainment. Carnivals arose from ancient harvest festivals and medieval pageants brought through Europe by traveling performers and Gypsies. Today, they remain a popular staple of summer fun around much of the world.

History

The origins of carnival trace back to ancient fertility rituals and festivals celebrating the arrival of Spring. Costumed parades, circus-like spectacles, music and dancing have been part of these celebrations for millennia. During the Middle Ages in Europe, many traveling folks would go from village to village putting on a variety of entertaining acts and selling goods. These movable feasts grew into more organized pageants and fairs.

In the 18th century, with the advent of modern machinery, more elaborate mechanical rides and attractions became popular fixtures. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, family-run carnival companies consolidated into larger regional operations, traveling circuits to bring the carnival to towns and cities on a regular basis.

Key Elements

Today the stereotypical carnival midway features an array of rides, games of skill and chance, novelty foods and snacks, and tests of strength or nerve that prize-seekers flock to. Carnivals may last a single weekend or over a week in larger settings.

Rides - Spinning, swinging and looping rides that provide thrills and excitement. Some classic carnival rides include the Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel and Roller Coaster. Kiddie rides for smaller children are also common.

Games - Booths and tents where participants can win prizes like stuffed animals by throwing balls, shooting water pistols, high-striking meters with sledgehammers and more. Some games like ring toss rely more on skill, while others introduce elements of chance.

Food & Drink - Sweet and greasy carnival fare like cotton candy, candied apples, funnel cakes, corn dogs, lemonade, and more. Food stands with flashy signs and yelling vendors contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Shows & Acts - Live entertainment has always been a draw for carnival-goers. Acrobats, daredevils, freak shows, exotic animal acts, magic shows and more keep the crowds thrilled. The talent and subject varies greatly between family-friendly and adult/late night shows.

Artisans & Vendors - In addition to amusement, carnivals provide opportunities for local craftspeople and merchants to sell their wares. Handmade goods, household items and more add to the marketplace feel.

Clowns & Carnival

Clowns have had a natural symbiotic relationship with carnivals since their earliest days. The traveling nature of carnivals allowed clowns to find new audiences for their physical comedy and jocularity. Their outrageous costumes and personas also fit well amid the garish sights and sounds. Clowns may have regular performance slots, roam the midway, entertaining guests as they wait in lines or try their luck at games. They are often employed by the carnival directly as a main attraction.

Some of the classic clown skills and routines well-suited to captivating carnival-goers include:

• Slapstick stunts and physical comedy

• Juggling and object manipulation

• Banter and comedic audience interactions

• Outlandish props and costumes

• Parodies and satires of familiar stories or songs

• General zaniness, wackiness, and letting loose

Clowns remain a staple performer at carnivals today, continuing the long legacy of merrymaking mirth that turns bemused heads and brings smiles to both children and adults of all ages.