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Panama City Carnival

Parades, music, dancing for biggest party of the year

Panama City Carnival revelers will flock to Via Trasistmica for the five day celebration February 1 to 5. Each day City Carnival Queen Liseth Diaz will adorn her float and blow kisses while dancing to music played by her “murga” band in the big parades. Along the route there will be stages for live music performances, the “sancocho” vendors selling typical Panamanian-style chicken soup, and “toldo” clubs.
At the “culecos” thousands of people jumping in the streets under jets of water will shout “Agua! Agua!” to attain relief from the heat. Carnival in Panama City offers musical variety, dancing, tasty Panamanian street-fare and an abundance of beer and liquor among some of the most party-minded people on the planet.
The main stage will be located on Via Trasistmica between The Oxford School and and La Salle High. This is where the most famous performers will make presentations and where the Queen and her court will spend most of the Carnival. Other venues, called “toldos” will be set up in the surrounding area of Via Trasistmica. Each one will have a musical theme: Raggeton (at Fernandez de Cordoba Avenue), Salsa – Merengue (at Ford, formerly Motores Colpan), Old-style Panamanian Typical (at West 64th Street), and Modern Typical (at the former Triangulo Hangar), among others.
The parade will begin each day at 3:00 pm with 20 floats per day. “Toldo” clubs will begin presentations at 9:00 pm that will last until 4:00 am. The Queen, her two princesses and the runners-up for the crown will participate by visiting the different “toldos” and animating the public.
Panamanians come from all over the world to celebrate the biggest party in their country every year. Panama shuts down and everyone has a license to party. It is a time to relax and cut loose. People act crazy in the streets, dye their hair all sorts of colors and really get into the true spirit of the celebration, which is to work out all the carnal desires before repenting for Lent.
Smiles abound. In such a social environment, many friendships are made. Some of them even last a lifetime. Anyone new to this party should remember to drink lots of water, protect themself from the sun and open their heart. Beautiful things happen when this hard-working, important country stops for a few days just to have a good time.

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Focus Publications (Int.), S.A.