Clowns Protest Government Decree in La Paz
Dozens of clowns marched through the streets of Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, on Monday to protest a government decree that restricts extracurricular activities in schools, posing a threat to their livelihoods.
Wearing full face paint and their signature red noses, the clowns assembled in front of the Ministry of Education to voice their opposition to a decree issued in February. The new mandate requires schools to conduct 200 days of lessons annually, effectively banning special events where clowns are commonly hired to entertain.
Impact on School Festivities and Children’s Day
In Bolivia, clowns are frequently employed during school festivities to entertain children during breaks from regular lessons. One significant upcoming event is Children’s Day, celebrated on 12 April, where clowns traditionally perform.
“This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children,”said Wilder Ramírez, a leader of the local clown union known as Zapallito. He added that
“children need to laugh,”while his colleagues questioned whether Bolivia’s education minister had ever experienced childhood.
Government Response and Future Considerations
The decree, issued by the administration of recently elected President Rodrigo Paz, prohibits celebrations during regular school days but allows them voluntarily on weekends. Government officials have stated they will consider the clowns’ concerns when drafting the decree for the 2027 school year.
Despite these assurances, the protesting clowns remained unconvinced.
“This decree will diminish our income, and with the economic crisis the country is going through, our future looks increasingly gloomy,”said Elías Gutiérrez, spokesperson for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia.
Economic Context and Broader Impact
Bolivia is currently facing its most severe economic crisis in decades. Revenues from natural gas are declining due to sustained drops in production, and the scarcity of US dollars is increasing the cost of imports in the landlocked nation.
The protest included tailors who create costumes for clowns and children participating in cultural events, as well as photographers who typically cover school celebrations.
The coalition of clowns, photographers, and costume makers marched through central La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks.
One protester carried a sign blaming the government for
“taking away smiles, and taking work away.”
