Bolivian Clowns Stage Street Protest Over School Decree
Dozens of clowns took to the streets of Bolivia's capital, La Paz, on Monday to demonstrate against a government decree that restricts extracurricular activities in schools, a move they argue threatens their livelihoods. Wearing full face paint and their iconic red noses, the protesters gathered in front of the Ministry of Education to voice their opposition to the mandate, which was published in February.
Decree Limits School Events and Clown Employment
The new decree requires schools to adhere to 200 days of lessons annually, effectively banning special events during regular school days where clowns are commonly hired to entertain children. Wilder Ramírez, a leader of the local clown union known as Zapallito, stated, "This decree will economically affect all of us who work with children." He emphasized that "children need to laugh," while his colleagues questioned whether Bolivia's Education Minister had ever experienced a childhood.
Clowns in Bolivia are frequently employed for school festivities, such as the upcoming Children's Day on April 12, to provide entertainment during breaks from standard lessons. The decree, issued by the government of recently elected President Rodrigo Paz, allows celebrations only on weekends voluntarily, not during school days. Government officials have indicated they will consider the clowns' feedback when drafting the decree for the 2027 school year.
Economic Crisis Amplifies Concerns
However, these assurances offered little comfort to the protesting clowns. Elías Gutiérrez, a spokesperson for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia, explained, "This decree will diminish our income, and with the economic crisis the country is going through, our future looks increasingly gloomy." Bolivia is currently facing its worst economic crisis in decades, driven by plummeting natural gas revenues due to declining production and a scarcity of U.S. dollars, which has made imports more expensive in the landlocked nation.
Alliance of Workers Joins Protest
The protest saw support from other affected workers, including tailors who create costumes for clowns and children's dresses for cultural events, as well as photographers who typically cover school celebrations. Together, this alliance marched through the center of La Paz, blowing whistles and setting off small fireworks to draw attention to their cause.
One clown carried a sign accusing the government of "taking away smiles, and taking work away," highlighting the emotional and economic impact of the decree. The demonstration underscores the broader challenges faced by artisanal workers in Bolivia as they navigate policy changes amid a struggling economy.
