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World Day of Laziness - 21st October 2022

On the World Day of Laziness, the citizens of Itagüi in Colombia take their beds out into the fresh air, to do very little.

Marlon Ocampo is totally into the idea.

Marlon Ocampo: "The day of laziness is to show that not everything in life is work. There are moments to rest, to lie in bed and do nothing, that is the day of laziness."

Laziness Day, which was created by Carlos Montoya, began in 1985 on the last day of an arts festival. The aim was to create a space for artistic activities and self-expression. Montoya is now a believer in the power of laziness.

Carlos Montoya: "Laziness is the engine of progress. When you are too lazy to cook, you go to a restaurant. When you are too lazy to wash, you buy a washing machine. When you are too lazy to organise the house, you hire someone. So, the world day of laziness is the engine of today's economy."

The aim is to relax but some people are required to work. Support is needed in making the beds, pushing them down the streets, and making sure everyone's enjoying themselves. Families participate in any way they like. They can build their beds out of anything comfortable, from tents or hammocks to pillows and cushions and just watch the world go by.

Organiser Fernando Duque thinks a moment of laziness might just produce a great idea.

Fernando Duque: "Historically, it is known that the great thinkers made their wonders in their leisure time. And that is precisely what we invite people to do, to engage in laziness with us and to creatively manifest the possibility of meeting us on a very nice day."

The World Day of Laziness is part of the “slow” movement. It's getting popular in Europe and hopes to encourage people to escape from the stress of a busy life.

Would you participate in a day of laziness?