Mexico’s Congress of Clowns

Every year, clowns from across Latin America gather in Mexico City for a week-long convention aimed at giving their art the respect they feel it deserves. Approximately 10,000 clowns, of whom 3,000 women, gathered for the 15th International Congress of Clowns on October 20. In a week, downtown Mexico City became one big circus

A clown poses next to a girl at the hotel at the 15th International Congress of Clowns in Mexico City on October 20. This event is held annually for the support of clown art and protecting the rights of the artists. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

The participants show their talents and share their experiences and ideas (AFP / Getty Images / Ronaldo Schemidt)

A clown during the contest for best costume and makeup. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

A girl gets her face painted at a congress of clowns (AP / Claudo Cruz)

A clown playing with a lizard during an attempt to break the world record for laughing in Mexico City. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

700 clowns laughed non-stop for 15 minutes in an attempt to set a new world record for uninterrupted laughter. The previous record for 20 minutes, however, couldn’t be reached.  (AP / Claudio Cruz)

Clowns from Guatemala prepare to pose for group photo. The congress was attended by clowns from Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, USA, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru and Nicaragua. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

Clowns await the start of the contest for the best costume and makeup. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

A clown in the costume of Michael Jackson. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

During the congress clowns gave performances, told jokes and displayed funny stunts. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

Clown on the stairs of the theater “Jimenez Rueda” before the contest. (AP / Claudio Cruz)

Clowns prepare themselves before the show (AP / Claudio Cruz)

A Mexican clown waiting for the opening of the International Congress of Clowns in Mexico City. Many of the clowns who attended have actually never worked in a circus. (AP / Claudio Cruz)