Hundreds in Peru mark Clown Day in hopes of getting the holiday official recognition

LIMA, Peru (AP) — With their unmistakable red noses, extravagant shoes, colorful outfits and unique makeup, hundreds of clowns Saturday gathered in the streets of Peru’s capital to mark Clown Day. They have sought for years to gain official recognition of the day.

The colorful parade in Lima, which includes awards for the best costumes, makeup, routine and improvisation, takes place every year on May 25.

“In Peru, there is Lawyer’s Day, Ceviche Day, and we also want a Clown Day because it would open doors for us to have support from the State and from the municipalities,” said Marcos Chininín, known as the clown “Chalupa.”

Chininin said the official recognition would give clowns access to government funds and performance spaces overseen by municipalities and local communities, as well as open the possibility of establishing schools to teach the art of clowning.

Members of Parliament have not yet discussed a proposed bill to create the holiday. Chininín, 42, estimated that about 200,000 people across Peru work as clowns, including at children’s events and the circus.

Miguel Ara Stein participated in Saturday’s parade dressed as his character “Chuchurro.” He said establishing the holiday would also be an acknowledgement of the talents that clowns must have.

“You have to have the gift of acting, the gift of character, of improvising,” Ara, 57, said. “We are all born for something and making people laugh is a gift.”

Clowns gather in the San Martin plaza to celebrate The Day of the Peruvian Clown, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Professional clowns gather annually on this date to honor the beloved clown "Tony Perejil" who died on May 25, 1987 and was known as "the clown of the poor" because he performed in low-income neighborhoods to which he would donate a portion of his earnings. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Clowns celebrate The Day of the Peruvian Clown in downtown Lima, Peru, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Professional clowns gather annually on this date to honor the beloved clown "Tony Perejil" who died on May 25, 1987 and was known as "the clown of the poor" because he performed in low-income neighborhoods to which he would donate a portion of his earnings. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Clowns march celebrating The Day of the Peruvian Clown, in downtown Lima, Peru, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Professional clowns gather annually on this date to honor the beloved clown "Tony Perejil" who died on May 25, 1987 and was known as "the clown of the poor" because he performed in low-income neighborhoods to which he would donate a portion of his earnings. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Clowns gather in the San Martin plaza to celebrate The Day of the Peruvian Clown, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Professional clowns gather annually on this date to honor the beloved clown "Tony Perejil" who died on May 25, 1987 and was known as "the clown of the poor" because he performed in low-income neighborhoods to which he would donate a portion of his earnings. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Clowns march celebrating The Day of the Peruvian Clown, in downtown Lima, Peru, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Professional clowns gather annually on this date to honor the beloved clown "Tony Perejil" who died on May 25, 1987 and was known as "the clown of the poor" because he performed in low-income neighborhoods to which he would donate a portion of his earnings. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli officials said Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet that was tasked with steering the war in Gaza.

The War Cabinet was dissolved following the departure from the government of Benny Gantz, an opposition lawmaker who had joined the coalition in the early days of the war. He had demanded that a small Cabinet be formed as a way to sideline far-right lawmakers in Netanyahu’s government. Gantz, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were its members and made key decisions together throughout the war.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the change with the media, said that going forward Netanyahu would hold smaller forums with some of his government members for sensitive issues.

Gantz, a longtime political rival of Netanyahu’s, joined the government as a show of unity after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. He left the government earlier this month, citing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the war.

Critics say Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making has been influenced by ultranationalists in his government who oppose a deal that would bring about a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages. They have voiced support for the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and reoccupying the territory.

Netanyahu denies the accusations and says he has the country’s best interests in mind.

FILE - From left, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz speak during a news conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel on Oct. 28, 2023. Israeli officials said Monday, June 17, 2024, that Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet that was tasked with steering the war in Gaza. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, File)