The streets of Mexico City burst with sound and colour on Wednesday as hundreds of clowns went on their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico's holiest shrine.

This is reportedly the 29th year that clowns in bright clothes and neon-coloured wigs marched through the bustling capital's street alongside a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The event is no laughing matter, with clowns on their religious trek to thank the Virgin for work in 2017 and for prosperity in the new year.

Once at the Basilica, a mass is held in the clowns' honour.

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