Lots of clowns have actually marched through the streets of Bolivia’s capital to demonstration versus a federal government decree that restricts after-school activities in schools, threatening their livelihoods.Wearing complete face paint and
their signature red noses, the clowns gathered on Monday in front of the ministry of education in La Paz to oppose a decree published in February. The new mandate says schools should comply with 200 days of lessons each year– in impact banning them from hosting the unique events where the entertainers are regularly employed.A clown rides a unicycle during a demonstration in La Paz versus the government’s ban on holiday parties at schools throughout teaching hours. Photo: Juan Karita/AP Clowns in Bolivia are often employed for school celebrations to amuse children
during breaks from their routine lessons. One such occasion is Kid’s Day, which the country commemorates on 12 April. “This decree will financially impact everybody who work with children, “stated Wilder
Ramírez, a leader of the local clown union, who likewise goes by the name of Zapallito. The clown informed reporters that “kids need to laugh”, while his coworkers questioned if Bolivia’s education minister had ever had a childhood.The decree issued by the federal government of the recently elected president, Rodrigo Paz, states celebrations will no longer be authorised during
regular school days, though they can be held voluntarily on weekends. Government authorities said they would take the clowns’ critiques into account when they make a decree for the 2027 school year.But those assurances offered little relief to the clowns protesting on Monday.The decree by President Rodrigo Paz says events will no longer be authorised during routine school days,
though they can be held willingly on weekends. Photograph: Luis Gandarillas/EPA “This decree will reduce our earnings, and with the economic crisis the country is going through, our future looks progressively dismal, “stated Elías Gutiérrez, a representative for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia.Bolivia is coming to grips with its worst economic crisis in decades. Incomes from gas are plunging after a sustained decrease in production, and US dollars are becoming scarce, making imports more pricey in the
landlocked nation.Clowns, professional photographers and outfit makers marched through the centre of La Paz, blowing whistles and triggering small fireworks. Photo: Luis Gandarillas/EPA Tailors who deal with clowns and make dresses for children for cultural events and photographers who typically cover school celebrations signed up with Monday’s protest.Clowns, photographers and costume makers marched through the centre of La Paz, blowing whistles and triggering little fireworks.One of the clowns brought an indication that blamed the federal government for “removing smiles, and taking work away “.