Holy Week in Panama: mixture of faith, color and tradition

A typical religious procession in the interior provinces.
Foto: Jorge Quinzada Loo.

The passion, death and resurrection of Christ will be remembered throughout Panama April 5-8 with the fervor of the various ethnic and religious communities from literally all parts of the world. In the Panama City/Colón metro area, where a large percentage of the population descends from immigrants, Protestant churches, depending on the denomination, will offer Easter services in Greek, Chinese, Korean, English and Spanish, whereas Roman Catholics (85% of the population) mark the occasion with special services and evening processions in each neighborhood.

In the interior provinces, where Spanish tradition and Roman Catholicism is strong, passion plays are common and are a picturesque opportunity to discover the country’s most deeply-rooted Christian traditions. The passion plays of the town of Pesé, in the province of Herrera, are famous for the quality of their performances. To get there, visitors need to get on the Pan-American Highway by crossing the Bridge of the Americas and drive west some 213 km to the town of Divisa, and turn off south to the Azuero peninsula. Road signs will indicate how to finish the rest of the trip, which should take four hours. A good service of buses to Pesé departs from Gran Terminal de Transporte, located in Albrook.

Holy Week traditions Holy Week, especially in the western provinces of Panama, is a time to remember mythical tales, some of which appeared during the colonial period as a means to convince townsfolk to attend mass and relinquish earthly pleasures. Those who dared to perform the simplest of tasks, draw water from a well, for example, were told the water would turn to blood. Interestingly, in this day and age with the Internet found in almost every corner of the country, visitors can still find grandpas advising children not to go to the beach on Good Friday. The consequence? To be turned into a fish.

Swimming, cycling, running

Saucony Triathlon at Sherman will test more than 100 athletes

Extreme sport buffs will be out on April 22 to follow the Saucony Triathlon Sprint at Sherman in the province of Colón.

It is the fourth version of this event, and starts from Sheame Beach continuing through the villages of the former Fort Sherman U.S. military base on the Atlantic coast. The competition will begin at 8 a.m.

More than a hundred competitors, on both individual and team categories, will strive through 750 mts of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running.

The triathlon is organized by the Panama Triathlon Union (UTP), organization who will have their second major triathlon of the year, with Olympic competition distances in July.

Bingo Night in aid of Casa de Mausi

An opportunity to have a fun evening, win a prize and help a worthy Panamanian cause comes up on May 8 at 8 p.m. at Panama's Union Club. A Bingo night will be held for the benefit of Casita de Mausi which provides, free of charge, numerous services for cancer patients and accompanying relatives from the interior who are not covered by social security. Among the services provided are lodgings, transportation, food, medicine and emotional and spiritual support. Stays vary from a few days to several months. A tax deductible donation of $25 enables participation in the Bingo event. Donations of prizes valued at over $35 are also welcome and there is a need for volunteers for ongoing activities. For further information contact Gail Cellucci at 507-232 6318, or gcellucci@casitademausi.org

Panamanian beauties vie for Japanese Crown

Ten Panamanian beauties, aged from 19 to 25 will be vying next month for the opportunity to become Miss International Panama 2007 and the right to compete for the world crown in Tokyo, Japan.

The judging will take place at the Panama Hotel Convention Center in the evening May 22. Earlier in the day there will be a fashion parade put on by professionals with local broadcasting, theatre and business celebrities joining professional models on the runway to display clothing from a wide range of commercial centers and designers.

The local winner, will be crowned with a a new tiara, designed and made by Rene Combe.

The Miss International Japanese franchise is considered number three, in the world of beauty contests.

Café Durán aims for the Guinness Book of Records

The biggest cup of coffee in the world.

Panama hopes for another entry into the Guiness Book of records with the creation of the world's largest coffee cup, holding 16,500 6-oz cups.

Thousands of Panamanians and visitors flocked to Parque Omar on April 1 to see the giant cup produced by Café Duran, Panama´s largest coffee making company. Seems to make sense. Largest company, largest cup.

The giant dispenser needed a team of half a closen "stirrers" using oversize spoons to mix the 750 gallons of coffee more than 90, gallons more than the previous record.

The coffee at the park was on sale for charity. Proceeds will go to help the Special Olympics.

Over 8,000 cups were served.

Dyango brings romance to fans in Panama

By Alex Henderson,
All Music Guide

Dyango, famous for his lush, sentimental romantic Latin pop.

Almost two decades after his last performance in Panama, Spanish pop singer Dyango returns to the stage of Atlapa Convention Center April 19.

Spanish superstar, Dyango, has been famous for lush, sentimental, romantic Latin pop since the '70s. Dyango is not the singer's real name; he was born José Gómez Romero in Barcelona, Spain, where he grew up. Dyango is his stage name, inspired by the great gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, who is among Dyango's idols. He started performing live in the '60s, but it wasn't until 1974 that he signed his first recording contract. That year, he signed with EMI's Latin division, and his debut album came out in 1975. After that, it didn't take him long to become a major star -- not only in his native Spain, but also all over Latin America and in heavily Hispanic areas of the United States.

Dyango went on to build a huge catalog at EMI and Capitol. He recorded frequently throughout the '80s and '90s, a decade that found him recording for the Latin divisions of RCA as well as Polygram. "Corazon Magico," "Esa Mujer," "La Radio," "A Donde Vas Amor," "Querer y Perder," "Hay Algo en Ella," and "Esta Noche Quiero Brandy" are among the countless hits that he is famous for in the Spanish-speaking world.

For tickets and more information, call Atlapa’s box office, tel. 526-7000.

Pollera Queen elected in Las Tablas

Señorita María Victoria Barrios Cedeño, who will preside over the pollera festival in July.

With your cultural appetite sharpened by the upcoming 1000 Pollera Parade in Panama City, it´s time to plan a trip further affield to celebrate a the Pollera in its true home, the interior.

The National Festival of the Pollera will be celebrated in Las Tablas, July 13-22 and playing a starring role will be Señorita Victoria Barrios Cedeño who has been elected Festival Queen.

The celebration starts Friday July 13 with a folclórico parade through the a principle streets of the town. During the month the festival will be enlivened with a national violin contest and a Camisilla (shirt) and sombrero contest. The sombrero event will be in two categories, luxury (white or colored) and regular (rush). A good time to chose a new piece of headgear.

The festival culminates on July 22 with a grand National Competition of the Pollera and an allegorical parade involving student minstrels, street musicians and, of course, polleras.

It´s worth the trip to Las Tablas to experience first hand a truly national event and absorb the culture of the country

Annual Black Ethnic Culture Festival in May

The 7th Annual Black Ethnic Festival, May 26-27, promises a spectacular cultural event including a special performance by the Brooklyn Quadrille Group.

The festival is devoted to all of Panama’s Afro descendants , organizations and businesses. This year it starts May 26 with a conference on Afro Panamanian Culture at St Christopher’s Episcopal School, 10 St. Parque Lefevre, and continues the next day with a Cultural Evening including dinner, dancing and entertainment, at the Paradise Banquet Hall, Via España and Via Brasil.

Black Ethnic Day founder Claral Richards will be the guest of honour. The event is organized by Martha Productions.

Ecotourism trips to Coiba and Campana

Ecotourism is a fast growing part of Panama´s tourism industry, giving participants insights into the nation´s natural beauty and wildlife and providing healthy recreation.

This month, Eco Viajeros, Panama, has two planned events. On April 15 a trip to Cerro La Cruz and P.N. Altos de Campana. The group, which will not exceed 12 will leave the Rey Supermarket at El Dorado at 7:00 a.m. to climb to the 800 meter peak of Cerro La Cruz. Participants return at 3:00p.m.the cost is $36.

On April 21 there will be a trip to the Coiba National Park with the opportunity to practice snorkling in beautiful crystal waters and see tropical fauna & wildlife including whales, dolphins, monkies and alligators. The cost is $200, $150 for Panamanians and includes guide, snacks, drinks and meals. The air conditioned has leaves at 2:30 a.m. returns at 9:p.m.

For further information call 6687-2087 or email: info@ecoviajerospanama.com

Night of the guitar Two internationally famed guitarists, Arturo Villareal (pictured) and Luis Bonilla will present a lively "Night of the Guitar" at the Il Boccalino restaurant on April 19. The program will include music developed during Villareal´s five years in New York where he became familiar with jazz fused with Latin music, rock and Afro-Latin. For reservations call 223-8521

Golfing opportunities for experts and duffers

AMCHAM
Golfers wanting to combine a challenge, with good company and a chance to win some useful prizes, have two opportunities in the coming weeks.

The American Chamber of Commerce will be holding its "VII Golf Tournament", at the Summit Golf course with the theme "A golfer and friend", the friend being described as one who has little or no experience of the game. The first placed gross, and first placed net winners will receive airline tickets to anywhere in the United States on American Airlines. The entry fee is $75.00 for members, $90.00 for non members. For registration or more information call 301-3881.

FREE ZONE USERS
The Association of Colon Free Zone Users will be holding its first tournament at the Summit on Sunday, May 6 with a Mexican Best Ball of Three Players. The entry fee is $100 plus tax for non members, $80 plus tax for members. The cost includes breakfast, lunch, and the chance to win prizes.

“One Thousand Pollera” parade honor all Panama’s ethnic groups

The event is a tribute to Panama's national female attire and to all of the country's ethnic groups.

Panama’s national pride will be displayed in full splendor on Sunday, April 29 during the Parade of the Thousand Polleras.

Organized by the Panama Tourist Board, the event is a tribute to the country's national costume for women, the Pollera, a beautiful, 16th century colonial attire that has been adapted to Panama's culture with indigenous and African elements. One of the most beautiful and expensive dresses in the world, the Pollera features regional variations in each province.

First held in 2003, the parade also honors all of the country's main ethnic groups and their regional costumes. This year, the parade will be held earlier than in previous years, taking advantage of the dry, sunny weather of April.

Panama Rovers Adventure Club

Camping and hiking enthusiasts will be interested to learn of the Panama Rovers adventure club in David. Alex Marin the club´s organizer, would like to get the word out to fellow nature-lovers. Founded last year, the club already has a steady following. Fees to join are $20 annually and $10 per month which include use of camping equipment.

Their next outing is planned on April 7 and 8 in the International Friendship Park. A bus will leave from the Romero supermarket behind McDonalds in the San Mateo area of David at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to join this trip but you must bring your own equipment. For security, the camp will be set up in the garden area of the park beside the ANAM hut. On day one campers will tackle the first trail—a three hour hike followed by a bonfire in the evening. On day two they will take on the second trail --- a hour’s hike to a beautiful waterfall.

For more information call 6524-2802, www.panamarovers.wordpress.com

Last country fair of the dry season

The Azuero International Fair

The Azuero International Fair –the last of the long list of country fairs taking place throughout Panama during the dry season – runs from April 19 – May 1. The town of La Villa in the province of Los Santos is the site of the event, which attracts visitors from all over the country.

Since Azuero is the "Cradle of Panama's Culture", expect lots of folklore dance shows, agricultural exhibits and parades, as well as the traditional humor of the region, best exemplified in the parrampanes –groups of local residents who dress as women and wear masks of animals or dolls.

The Fair has something for everyone: folklore and industrial exhibits from neighboring countries, reggae and pop concerts, and games for children.

The town of La Villa is 255 km. southwest of Panama City. You can get their either by rented car or by bus (departing from Albrook's Gran Terminal de Transporte) in approximately four hours. The largest lodging accommodations are found in the nearby city of Chitré, in the province of Herrera, just across the La Villa River.

April 17

Lions Benefit Concert

Ricardo Orillac, tenor	Nicole Puga, soprano	Salvador Ríos, bass-baritone

A benefit concert featuring leading Panamanian singers will be staged at the National Theater on April 17 at 7:30 p.m.

The event, organized by the Lions Club of Panama, which is involved in many charitable activities, will raise funds for Colonias Infantiles de Verano.

The featured artists will be Ricardo Orillac, tenor, Nicole Puga, soprano y Salvador Ríos, bass-baritone, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jorge Ledezma Bradley. They will perform zarzuela (Spanish light opera), Broadway melodies and a surprise item.

Tickets at $15, $25 and $30 can be purchased at Allegro, Exedra Books and Libreria Argosy.

Basketball

Season’s winners to go forward to LBA

Everything is set for the start-up of the basketball season – the Circuito de Baloncesto Superior (CBS) on Thursday April 26, according to a recent communication from the Federacion Panameña de Baloncesto. The season extends to June 23 and games take place Thursday and Saturday in the Gym of the Isabel Herrera Obaldía Professional school in Paitilla and in the Al Brown Arena in the city of Colon. Each team will meet each other twice.

The CBS 2007 champion will qualify to represent Panama in the Basketball League of the Americas (LBA) which the International Federation of Basketball of the Americas plans to take place sometime between December 15, 2007 and March 15, 2008.

Carlos Vives, Willie Colón y Oscar de León in two concerts this month

Carlos Vives	Willie Colón

The first concert will take place on April 21 when Carlos Vives, accompanied by his group, will delight his fans in the Figali Convention Center presenting the hit numbers from his albums from "Classicos de la Provincia" to his most recent "El Rock de mi Pueblo".

On April 30, the promoters, Showpro, will present two salsa legends to celebrate Labor Day in style. Willie Colon and Oscar de León will share the stage at the Figali Convention Center in a concert which will have all salsa fans dancing for hours.

Oscar de León

Tickets for both events are available at Video Avenue through Ticket Plus in an exclusive pre-sale for card holders of HSBC, Access and Banistmo who can get a 10% discount on tickets from $25.00 in the general area and from $50.00 in the VIP area with table.

The pre-sale for Carlos Vives will last until today, April 6, and for Willie Colon and Oscar de León until Friday April 13.

Boquete Orchid Fair, an exotic event

If you are a lover of the exotic, and what could be more exotic than the orchid, you will be planning a trip to Boquete, Chiriquí, next week for the 21st Orchid Fair, April 11-15, to be held in the same fair grounds as the Coffee and Flower Fair.

Panama is a country with a natural wealth of orchids. Hundreds of different species, from the tiny and insignificant to the eye-catching and vivid, grow wild in the rainforest. Naturally, collectors and cultivators have dedicated themselves to creating more and more exotic species and many of these enthusiasts will be exhibiting at the fair, among them the Maduro Company, Mario Pitti, Delwan Valenzuela and the Orchid Association of Panama.

Prizes will be offered to the best orchids in various catagories . Judging will take place on Thursday April 12.

This year's show will also feature the Coffee Associations 11th International Coffee-Tasting Competition.

As usual the fair will be enlivened by the participation of handicraft vendors and the sale of plants and orchids.

The trip to Boquete will also give you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the wonderful mountain scenery, and explore accommodation poss-ibilities.