LIMA, Peru (AP) — With their distinctive red noses, extravagant shoes, colorful outfits and unique makeup, hundreds of clowns gathered Saturday on the streets of the Peruvian capital to mark Clown Day. They have been trying for years to obtain official recognition of the time.
Lima’s colorful parade, which includes awards for the best costumes, makeup, routine and improvisation, takes place every year on May 25th.
“In Peru there is Lawyer’s Day, Ceviche Day, and we also want Clown Day because it would open doors for us to have the support of the State and municipalities”, said Marcos Chininín, known as the clown “Chalupa”.
Chininin said official recognition would give clowns access to government funds and performance spaces overseen by municipalities and local communities, as well as opening up the possibility of creating schools to teach the art of clowning.
Members of Parliament have not yet discussed a proposed law to create the holiday. Chininín, 42, estimated that around 200,000 people across Peru work as clowns, including at children’s events and circuses.
Miguel Ara Stein participated in Saturday’s parade dressed as his character “Chuchurro”. He said establishing the holiday would also be a recognition of the talents clowns must have.
“You need to have the gift of acting, the gift of character, of improvising,” said Ara, 57 years old. “We are all born for something and making people laugh is a gift.”
