| | |  News Around the Republic of Mexico | July 2009 
Mexico's Annual Pilgrimage of Clowns
 NECN
go to original
July 23, 2009
| | Hundreds of clowns processed towards the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City on Wednesday to thank the Virgin of Guadelupe. (July 23 - Associated Press) | |
Mexico City - Hundreds of clowns marched towards the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City on Wednesday to thank the Virgin of Guadelupe, who is Mexico's patron saint, for help and protection in their livelihoods and to pray for good business in the coming year.
The Clown Club of Mexico, a foundation celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, organizes an annual pilgrimage for its members. The foundation trains clowns and performs for poor children.
The pilgrimage brings clowns of all ages to seek the Virgin's help getting work.
Asked what he wants from the Virgin, a clown going by the name of "El Globito" ("Little Balloon") said he wanted, "just some work because we're all trying to eat and she knows how we suffer each day."
The clowns sang, chanted, drummed and juggled their way towards the Basilica on Wednesday before attending a mass.
The clowns marched along the famous avenue, called the Calzada de Guadalupe, into the perpetually crowded plaza outside the church.
Participants honked horns and waved balloons as casual passers by asked to take photos with the colorful crowd.
Millions of Mexicans and tourists visit the Basilica de Guadalupe every year from all over the country and abroad, with pilgrimages peaking in December.
The Basilica de Guadalupe is built on the site where an indigenous Mexican man, Juan Diego, is believed to have seen the brown-skinned Virgin of Guadalupe in the 16th century. |
|
| |
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us