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Peruvians put on face paint and colourful wigs for Clown Day

Several very colourful clowns applaud and cheer.

Face paint, bright costumes, colourful wigs and lots of laughter marked this year's Clown Day celebrations in the Peruvian capital, Lima.

Dozens of clowns sit together, one of them wearing an armour and golden headgear.

The day remembers Jose Alvarez Velez, or 'Tony Perejil', a popular clown who died on 25 May 1987.

Four clowns walking on the street, one of them with huge pink and purple horns

Jose Alvarez Velez took laughter to poor areas of Peru. Now every year clowns come to Lima to mark the date.

A red-nosed clown poses for a photo with a child who also wears a wig.

This year, around 500 people of all ages took part in the Clown Day festivities.

Clowns parade on the street, with one jumping in the air and two dressed as superheros in the background.

They paraded through the centre of the Peruvian capital to the rhythm of drums, whistles and singing.

Four clowns pose for the camera making funny faces.

Some performed tricks, such as juggling acts, while others just did what they do best: act silly.

A row of colourful shoes of three clowns

But it was not just about laughter - the clowns say they want the government to provide them with free health care and better rights for those who work in the profession.