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Sunday December 9

Panama’s annual Christmas Parade will be a big one

Panama's Eighth Annual Christmas Parade is once again a mega production drawing thousands of spectators to watch the colorful floats and lively bands. This year's parade will include at least 35 floats and more than 30 musical bands including participation from Guatemala and Costa Rica.

More than 10,000 less fortunate children are bussed in from the interior provinces to have the opportunity to see the parade. Needy children with merit receive the trip to the capital as a reward for their good behavior or as encouragement. They stay with host families whose cooperation makes this massive charity effort possible.

The grand show of lights, sound and fantasy will snake through the city streets. On Sunday December 9th, the 5.6km parade will begin at 3:30 pm at Parque Urrraca, taking Balboa Avenue to Calle Aquilino de la Guardia, up to Calle 50 and finishing at the intersection of Avenidas Cincuentenario and Porras. Children can enjoy special activities just for them in Parque Urracca beginning at 11am.

"Christmas in the World" is the theme of this year's parade, organized by Panama's mayoral office. Sponsors like HSBC Bank, Nestle, Conway and The Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT) make contributions to children's charities and participate in the event which is transmitted on national television. Each float will have its own theme designed with detailed perfection by the contributing artists.

Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro said the parade will be covered by 2400 police officials and 16 ambulances.

Focus Publications (Int.), S.A.