Bright costumes, colors, colors that will not leave any person nearby indifferent, songs and processions through the streets. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro? No. This is Clown's Day, celebrated annually on May 25 in Peru.
The holiday takes place in many cities of this South American state, but the most striking and colorful actions take place on the central streets of the capital of Peru –, Lima. Representatives of the profession come here from all over the country, whose work – is also creativity and art – is aimed at evoking joy, smiles and laughter in people.
First of all, clowns evoke genuine vivid emotions in children. Therefore, in Peru, clowns – are indispensable participants at children's parties, as well as birthday parties.
On the day of their professional holiday, hundreds of clowns in their bright outfits walk along the main streets of the capital. During the procession, they hold competitions and performances, entertaining passers-by and giving happiness to children. Those little residents of the capital who find themselves next to the heroes of the day receive candy from clowns.
The tradition of holding this bright and colorful holiday has not had a very long history, but in more than 10 years of its existence it has become an integral part of the life of Peruvians.
The initiator of the organization of Clown Day is unknown, but the name of the person in whose honor this holiday is held is known. This is circus performer Jose Alvarez, famous in Peru in the 1980s, known as the clown «Tony». As part of a tent, he traveled to the poorest areas of the country and delighted children and adults with his creativity. After his death, the tradition of honoring the famous artist and the work of clowns appeared.
Annual artist processions usually end in the square in front of the Congress building. In this way, they are trying to attract the attention of the country's authorities to their work, as well as achieve the assignment of official status for Clown Day in order to celebrate it throughout the country as a professional holiday.
Adults have different attitudes towards the work of people working in the circus, including the work of clowns. But what could be better and more pleasant than sonorous children's laughter? But in the circus, most often the joy of children is caused by the performances of people in bright multi-colored costumes, wigs, with painted faces, capable of joking, able to juggle and show a trick and make up a grimace, which is simply impossible to look at without laughing. In addition, clowns sometimes do not need to utter words to cause delight and a child’s smile. That is why this profession is international and always relevant in any country.
Thanks clowns! And happy holiday!