Every year on May 25th, hundreds of professional clowns and non-professional merrymakers march through Peru’s capital to mark the anniversary of the passing of José Alvarez Vélez, better known as Tony Perejil, the “clown of the poor.” The BBC had a photographer on the ground to capture this year’s parade. 

This year’s parade also had a political element, as several groups of clowns were marching in support of government health care and financial assistance for circus performers.

Check out this BBC feature for more photos from the event. The news outlet also has a few snaps from the 2013 march:

The parade takes place in every year on May 25th in Lima, Peru.