The Cabildo de La Palma, through Sodepal and with the collaboration of the Department of Culture of Santa Cruz de La Palma, makes it possible for the island to have a specific programme within the framework of the 18th edition of the International Clownbaret Festival (FIC), which brings the humour and creativity of the art of clowning to the island.

The CEO of Sodepal, Miriam Perestelo, pointed out that the International Clownbaret Festival has established itself in its seventeen years of existence as one of the national festivals of reference. Since its origins, she said, it has remained faithful to its objective of showing in the Canary Islands the art implicit in the most important clowns in the world".

The councillor emphasised that the selected shows are aimed at a family audience and the festival includes educational activities such as circus workshops for schoolchildren, clown workshops, masterclasses and meetings with artists. Miriam Perestelo stressed that this festival shows that "the art of the clown reminds us of the importance of living and feeling fully".

The island's Councillor for Culture, Pablo Díaz Cobiella, stressed the importance of coordination "to move cultural projects forward", pointing out that Sodepal also promotes these activities, "giving transversality to the actions carried out by the different departments". 

For his part, the councillor for Culture of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Alberto Perdomo, indicated that "humour and laughter play a fundamental role in any society", thanking the festival for its involvement in Santa Cruz de La Palma.

The programme, which will take place in Santa Cruz de La Palma, concentrates on 4 and 5 October with three international clown and circus troupes. Thus, on Friday 4 October, the Leandre Clown troupe will perform at the Teatro Circo de Marte at 20:30 with its show N'Importe Quoi, which has been recognised with the Fetén 2023 Award. 

On Saturday 5th October, free of charge, the public can go to the Plaza de San Francisco in the capital of La Palma to experience 'Vaya Circo' by the Circobaya company at 17:30, followed by 'La Belle École' with Caricatos at 18:30.

There will also be a conference given by Amaia Prieto and Jesús Jara. This is 'Quien bien te quiere, te hará reír' (He who loves you well, will make you laugh), a talk with substance and laughter. A theatrical show aimed at young students that invites them to approach concepts related to the sensitivity and prevention of gender violence, while promoting debate and reflection.  

This project is complemented by three actions to which the Cabildo de La Palma gives a referential value. Specifically, these are visits of social clowns with 'De Narices', who will perform at the Hospital de Dolores, the Day Centre of Santa Cruz de La Palma and the General Hospital of La Palma on 7 October.

The aim is to make the users of these centres happier thanks to the indisputable benefits of laughter. The actions are developed by three professional clowns in different performing arts who have been trained by two nationally recognised clown-hospital associations: Pallapupas (Barcelona) and Pupaclown (Murcia).