Clowns Without Borders was founded in Spain in 1993 when Tortell Poltrona, a Spanish clown, was asked by children at a school in Barcelona to travel to the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia to perform for refugee children. After hearing from refugees in Croatia, who wrote, “You know what we miss most? We miss laughter, fun, and joy,” the children in Barcelona raised funds to send Tortell to Croatia.

On this first mission, Tortell performed for 4,000 children in Croatian refugee camps. This marked the beginning of Clowns Without Borders Spain (Payasos Sin Fronteras), an organization dedicated to improving the psychological well-being of people in conflict zones, refugee camps, and emergency areas through performances and socio-cultural activities aimed at children.

In 2012, to extend their reach beyond Spain, the organization established Clowns Without Borders International (CWBI), which now includes 13 member countries.