Balboa Unión Church

Candlelight service a cherished tradition on Christmas Eve at the Strangers’ Church

The Balboa Union Church established during the construction of the Panama Canal, will hold it’s traditional Candlelight Service, on Monday, December 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The only church to be incorporated by an act of the U.S. Congress, the 80 year old Balboa Union Church is also known as "The Strangers’ Church".

Following the service, candles are placed on the church lawn. The tradition began in 1941, when two servicemen wished to leave candles burning in honor of their loved ones at home. On Christmas Eve, 1941, the Second World War was just beginning for the United States. It was certainly a time of "darkness" for the young men and women stationed overseas.

It was also a time of blackout in Panama. Mrs. Marie Van Clief, of the Balboa Union Church, had obtained permission from the Governor of the Canal Zone and the Commander of the Armed Forces for the placing of the candles on the lawn. For a brief moment, the candle shone and lifted the spirits of the congregation.

This year’s service will be conducted by the Rev. Luis A. Veagra, Pastor of BVC. Special Music will be featured by pianist Prof. Reynaldo Taylor.

Simultaneous translation will be provided as well as valet parking. For further information please call 314-1004.

Scenery, costumes, dancers from Russia

Nutcracker promises to be a spectacular show

A ballarina rehearses.

Nutcracker, the fairytale ballet will be performed on December 26 and 27 at Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City. The famous Tchaikovsky ballet was first performed in Russia in December of 1892 and has since become an annual Christmas tradition and the most performed classic ballet around the world.

Dancers from Russia, Cuba, USA and Turkey will join Panamanian dancers to perform under the direction of artistic director Mark Cholewa. Originally from Poland, Cholewa is the director of Butler Ballet in Indianapolis. He held auditions last June for dancers in Panama. The National Ballet is participating along with Cholewa's selection from Panama's 13 other dance schools. Together, 130 dancers will participate in The Nutcracker, which features Russian, Chinese, Spanish and Arab dances, according to producer Alida Gerbaud de Fabrega.

All 24 backdrops were painted in Russia and arrived in Panama on December 11, said Gerbaud. About a third of the costume pieces were also made in Russia and shipped especially to Panama for the performance. The audience can expect special effects like snow and pyrotechnics.

Juan Carlos Navarro, the mayor of Panama City has invited under-privileged children from the 21 districts of the capital to enjoy a full performance on December 26 at 10 am.

Tickets are available at all Blockbuster locations for $10, $25 and $40. A 50% discount is available for retirees. Showings are at 7:30.