Dozens of professional clowns took to the streets of La Paz on Monday, 30 March, to stage a colourful but somber protest against a new government decree that threatens their primary source of income. Clad in full face paint, oversized shoes, and signature red noses, the entertainers gathered outside the Ministry of Education to voice their opposition to a mandate they claim effectively bans them from working in schools.
The controversy stems from a decree published in February by the administration of President Rodrigo Paz, which mandates that schools strictly adhere to a 200-day academic calendar. Under these new regulations, extracurricular activities and special celebrations are prohibited during regular school hours, a move designed to prioratise classroom learning but one that eliminates the traditional events where clowns, photographers, and costume makers are typically employed.
Wilder Ramírez, a prominent leader of the local clown union known by his stage name “Zapallito”, addressed journalists during the march, stating that the decree would have a devastating economic impact on those who dedicate their lives to entertaining children. He argued that the emotional well-being of students is at stake, asserting that “children need to laugh” and questioning whether the Education Minister had forgotten the importance of a joyful childhood.
The timing of the decree is particularly painful for the industry, as Bolivia prepares to celebrate Children’s Day on 12 April, an occasion that usually sees a surge in bookings for school festivities. While government officials have suggested that celebrations could still be held voluntarily on weekends, entertainers argue that this shift will drastically reduce their opportunities and fail to compensate for the loss of weekday school contracts.
This legislative blow comes as Bolivia grapples with its most severe economic crisis in decades, characterised by plummeting natural gas revenues and a critical shortage of US dollars. Elías Gutierrez, a spokesperson for the Confederation of Artisanal Workers of Bolivia, highlighted that the decree further darkens the future for self-employed workers already struggling with rising import costs and a stagnant national economy.
Joining the clowns in their march through central La Paz were tailors who specialise in cultural costumes and professional photographers who rely on school events for their livelihoods. The alliance of workers used whistles and small fireworks to draw attention to their cause, with one protester carrying a poignant sign accusing the government of not only taking away their work but also “taking away the smiles” of Bolivia’s youth.
