Buskers: The Interesting History of Street Performers
Date Posted: Oct 05, 2017
A centuries-old tradition is making its way to Pensacola, Fla. for Foo Foo Festival. This year, festival attendees will be able to experience the premier Pensacola Busker Festival, November 3rd-5th.
To prepare you for this exciting event, you need a little background information on the tradition of busking. Here is everything you need to know about the history of street performers.
What is a Busker?
A busker, or as they are more commonly known–street performers–entertain crowds with their musical, unusual and comedic acts for tips in public areas.
The history behind busking
Busking has a long history that dates back to the Medieval ages. Back then, local merchants would invite buskers to their storefronts, plazas and public squares to attract new business. The American tradition has its roots in the many circuses that used to travel from coast to coast. But as the golden age of circuses started to fade, circus performers changed up their acts for street corners and eventually became a mainstay in American street performance.
Benefits to society
The allure of the busker still has its effect on the public today. Like in the Medieval times, street performers introduce visitors to local stores and restaurants. By providing a variety of quality entertainment, buskers create a mutually beneficial commercial environment for everyone, stores, restaurants and other performers, at little to no-cost to the city.
This Foo Foo Fest, be entertained by the buskers who will be performing throughout Intendencia Street.