Sad faces all round as Bolivia’s clowns protest over decree threatening their livelihoods

Clowns in Bolivia have been upset by a new school mandate that cuts off the events from which they earn a living

Dozens of clowns marched through the streets of Bolivia’s capital on Monday to protest against a government decree that limits extracurricular activities in schools, threatening their livelihoods.

Wearing full face paint and their signature red noses, the clowns gathered in front of the ministry of education in La Paz to oppose a decree published in February. The new mandate says schools must comply with 200 days of lessons each year – in effect banning schools from hosting the special events where the entertainers are frequently employed.