People dressed as clowns take part in the annual clown parade in Sesimbra, Portugal, on March 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

Sesimbra’s annual clown parade is thought to be the largest in the world, as part of its lively carnival celebrations. /VCG Photo

The town is overrun with clowns, who gather in the thousands to parade along the beachfront. /VCG Photo

The clown fever sets in long before the local pre-Lenten festivities, with awards for the best costumes and local schools’ clown-themed dress-up activities. /VCG Photo

Parading through the town clutching colorful balloons and banging drums, the event turns Sesimbra into a riot of color and sound. /VCG Photo

The clown parade attracts many visitors and children. /VCG Photo