Events
International flower fair at El Panamá
ExpoFlora International: Sept 16 – 18
A big flower event is happening next weekend. ExpoFlora opens its doors to the public at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Convention Center at the Hotel El Panama. Panama’s green thumbs will have big, bright and beautiful plants on display for the public to enjoy. The event is organized by Panama’s Gardener’s Club and this year’s theme is “We blossom between two oceans” (Florecemos entre dos mares).
An event of this magnitude happens only once every ten years, and Panama’s gardening community is buzzing with excitement. Other similar events happen each year, but on a smaller scale. “This is the big one!” say organizers. The inauguration of the event will take place on Thursday, September 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on September 17 and 18 the exposition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entrance $3, For more information contact Cheryl de Obediente at 270-2039, 6675-9785, cheryl@obediente.biz.
Visitors to the event should know that the flowers and plants on display will not be on sale. But passionate gardeners should know that the visit is still worth it. ExpoFlora is a green thumb’s networking dream come true!
Warming engines for Oktoberfest
Fritz Schmutte, pictured above with his amiable bar staff at Rincón Alemán, has already begun making preparations for Oktoberfest, a traditional Bavarian celebration that actually starts in September.
He’s hired on the Chepo Firefighters band for the duration of the Oktoberfest celebration, which kicks off on Saturday, September 18.
Decor week event schedule
High design, low cost decoration and the latest trends are some of the
subjects to be covered at Panama Decor Week events throughout the city.
Panama Decor Week is from September 22 to 30.
Interior designers from Panama City will participate in the event, delivering free discussion lectures on design at the stores participating in Decor Week.
And a sale!
During Decor Week, participating stores will have a “Decor Sale” exclusively for attendees of the event, with drops in prices ranging from 15% to 50%. Visitors to the events will be attended in designated “Design Corners” at the participating stores.
For information, contact Lic. Carmen García Villalaz at 226-3031, 6614-9841 or email cgarciav@cwpanama.net. Carmen’s web page is www.carmengarciavillalaz.com.
Interactive lecture schedule:
How to apply the golden rules of successful interior design: Scale, proportion, rhythm and balance
Given by: Rita Garcia Frochaux
Location: Artimuebles
Date: Wednesday, September 22
Time: 5:00 p.m.
The dining room: elegance, warmth and the art of hospitality.
Given by: Grethel Hernandez
Location: Importadora Selecta Costa del Este
Date: Thursday, September 23
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Modern and timeless spaces: Multifunctional design as concept and a lifestyle
By: Iraiza García de Paredes
Venue: Tempo Design
Day: Friday, September 24
Time: 6:00 p.m.
How to complement details in the decoration: Frames, carpets and fabrics
By: Architect Vanessa Alvarez
Location: Iportadora Selecta Dorado
Date: Tuesday, September 28
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Importance of the locks in the interior design
By: Rosmery Guerini and Architect Carlos Quintero
Location: Decoaccesorios
Date: Wednesday, September 29
Time: 6:00 p.m.
How to give warmth to a office space
Closure of Panama décor Week
Dictated by: Rita Garcia Frochaux
Location: Decolosal
Date: Thursday, September 30
Time: 6:00 p.m.
PanAmCham announces its first annual real estate forum
Organizers have chosen a rather bold name for the new event: “The good, the bad and the ugly”
On Thursday, 14 October the American Chamber of Commerce in Panama (PanAmCham) will hold it’s first ever yearly real estate forum. The new event will take place at the Miramar Hotel from 2:00 p.m. To 6:00 p.m. The forum will feature six different presentations by guest speakers covering different subjects relating to real estate in Panama. The program includes the coverage of such important questions as cultural differences, pricing, best business practices and problem solving.
The presentations will be held in English with simultaneous Spanish translation available. After the closure, attendees will be invited to a cocktail party at the hotel. Individual tickets cost $50. A 50% discount applies for PanAmCham members. Other discounts are available for pensionado card holders, members of Acobir and Convivienda. Sponsorships are available. More information can be acquired through amcham@panamcham.com or calling 301-3881.
Mejorana Festival in Guararé
The National Mejorana Festival will be held in Guararé, Los Santos province from September 22 to 27. This traditional event has many cultural activities including a big traditional ox cart parade. The festival was founded in 1949 by professor Manuel F. Zárate to preserve folclore tradtions from each region of the country. This festival is famous for the instruments played here, including the “mejorana” itself, which is a small guitar.
This is the 60th year of the festival, celebrated at the same time that Guarareños celebrate their patron saint, La Virgin de Las Mercedes. The event will include musical presentations, contests, “decima” singing, bull runs, cart parade, popular dance and many traditional folkloric expressions.
Calendar of events / Calendario de eventosTuesday, September 14
Martes 14 septiembre Sunday, September 20
Domingo 20 de septiembre Wednesday, September 22
Miercoles 22 de septiembre Thursday September 23
Jueves 23 de septiembre 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 24
Viernes 24 de septiembre 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 25
Sabado 25 de septiembre 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 m. 2:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26
Domingo 26 de septiembre 10:30 a.m. 12:00 m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. |
Expo Turismo Internacional
Important new international fair dedicated to tourism in Panama
The buzz has already begun. From the streets of Panama City to the far-reaching resorts of Chiriquí, people are talking about Panama’s first big international tourism fair. The Tourism Chamber (CamTur) and the Chamber of Commerce joined to sponsor Expo Turismo Internacional, a big event that will be celebrated on Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8 at ATLAPA Convention Center this year. The number of expositors is approaching 100.
This fair is the big leagues. Just as tourism revenues have reached par with the revenues produced by the Panama Canal, the Republic will flex its tourism muscle in a big way for the first time as host of this international event. CamTur president Annette Cárdenas explained to The Visitor that the support of the Chamber of Commerce is key in this endeavor. The Chamber organizes the country’s hugely-successful ExpoComer event each year.
Just like at ExpoComer, other countries have been invited to showcase their offer alongside Panamanian tourism products at ExpoTurismo. So far, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela the USA and Panama have dedicated areas at the fair.
A high-profile marketing campaign has been carried out to target incentive tourism promoters, wholesale buyers and convention/congress organizers and incite them to attend the event. For more information write expoturismo@panacamara.org or visit www.expotur.org for more information.
CAPAC Expo Habitat
Biggest real estate fair in Central America this weekend at ATLAPA
Construction sector celebrates 50 years of CAPAC Sept 15 – 19
Construction equipment on display makes the CAPAC
real estate fair even more interesting and fun.
The heavy-hitter among Panama’s real estate fairs and expos is CAPAC Expo Habitat. It attracts record-breaking national and international attention because the fair features the construction side of real estate development as well, alongside hundreds and hundreds of real estate projects.
| Visit The Visitor at CAPAC Expo Habitat 2010 Stand #874 |
It is the largest real estate fair anywhere in Panama, Central America and the Caribbean. Some 35,000 people are expected to attend the event at ATLAPA Convention Center from September 15 to 19. Transactions are projected reach over $200 million.
CAPAC Expo Habitat 2010 is organized by CAPAC (Panamanian Construction Chamber). This powerful organization will be also celebrating its 50th year anniversary as the fair takes place. The fair will feature residential, office and leisure properties from nearly 400 companies, from Chiriquí to Colón and from La Chorrera to 24 de Diciembre, the entire gamut of Panamanian real estate will be on offer in Panama.
Special sections
An international pavilion will feature industry products and services from Spain, Venezuela, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Vietnam, El Salvador, Costa Rica, India and Canada. A special section has been created at this year’s fair for “Mega Projects”, dedicated to several construction companies involved with projects of major importance to the Republic.
Banks will be on hand with competitive rates and capacity to to process immediate approval on mortgages. There is also a series of business and technical conferences, briefings and lectures for those interested in the industry’s latest trends. For more information, visit: www.capacexpo.com or call 265-2500.
Calling Chiriquí thespians!
Boquete Community Players to hold “The Odd Couple” auditions
Girl power will take the stage in Boquete, with the female
version of “The Odd Couple”. Open auditions are in early October.
The Boquete Community Players Theater (BCP) has announced a call for open auditions on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2 in Boquete, Chiriquí. Actors are encouraged to try out for the “female version” of “The Odd Couple”, which will be on stage November 18, 19 and 20. The cast consists of two adult female lead roles (Olive Madison and Florence Unger) and four adult female support roles and two adult male support roles.
This play will be the directing debut of the BCP’s new creative director, Leara Clausing, who has over 35 years experience in the theater, including acting, singing, directing, writing and teaching. Her background includes two years of study with famed New York acting coach Sanford Miesner, with study at San Francisco’s prestigious ACT and in Los Angeles both performing and teaching, as well as experience as a talent agent.
Ms. Clausing has been instructing an Actor’s Workshop for the last 2 months, honing the skills of the area’s actors. Future workshops may include a Director’s Workshop.
Auditions will be at the BCP Theater & Events Center on Friday, October 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The BCP Theater & Events Center is located in downtown Boquete, across the bridge on the right. For additional information, contact the BCB through the contact form on www.BCPBoquete.com.
Nutcracker Ballet auditions
On the September 24 and 25, the National Institute of Culture (INAC) will hold auditions for the Nutcracker Ballet, to be presented at Teatro Anayansi of the ATLAPA Conviention Center in Panama City during the holiday season. Girls from age six to 15 are invited to try out according to the following schedule.
- Friday, September 24: Girls six to eight years from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 25: Girls nine to 11 years at 10:30 a.m. and Girls 12 to 15 years from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information call 6784-0684 or write cascanueces2010@gmail.com.
World-class pianist at Teatro Nacional
Chinese pianist Jue Wang will play at
the National Theater in October.
The very talented Chinese pianist Jue Wang will perform next month at the Teatro Nacional, located in the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City. Despite his youth, 25 year old Jue Wang is world-famous, having achieved his greatest success thus far in Spanish piano competitions.
He has been awarded 1st prizes both in Barcelona’s 51st Maria Canals and Santander’s 16th Paloma O’Shea competition in 2008. Jue Wang has performed all over the world at namely venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Shanghai Concert Hall
His concert at Teatro Nacional will be on Thursday, October 7 at 8:00 p.m. He will play famous pieces by Ravel, Schumann, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. Tickets can be purchased in Argosy Bookstore, Allegro and at the offices of the National Concert Association for $30 regular, $15 for musicians and $5 for students. For more information call 214-7236, 214-4848, write conciertos@conciertospanama.org, or visit www.conciertospanama.org.
Canadian Ambassador to carve turkey in October at the Sheraton
The Canadian Association of Panama has announced that tickets for the traditional Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner are now available. Canadian Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Panama on Saturday, October 9 at the Sheraton Hotel. It will be a gala event featuring a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, with roast turkey, cranberry dressing, a full assortment of side dishes and choice desserts. There will be a full vegetarian dinner selection that is also suitable for vegans.
Canadian ambassador Patricia Langan will perform the ceremonial carving of the bird. The Canadian Association and its events are open to all. Currently, the “tombola” raffle prizes are valued at nearly $5,000 and growing.
Tickets are $45 ($40 for members) and proceeds from the dinner will support selected Panamanian charities. Attire is business formal. For tickets call: 6415-7534, 6678-7568, 6679-8299, 6515-3691, or 6619-6890 or visit the Canadian Embassy, Torres de las Americas in Punta Pacifica.
ExpoVino at the Multicentro Mall
ExpoVino is a yearly wine tasting celebration organized by the Club de Vinos de Panama. Each year tens of thousands of people attend this major event. This weekend, the public is invited to attend the event on the fourth floor food court area of the Mulitcentro Mall on Balboa Avenue. This is the first time that the event has been held in this location which offers an excellent view of Panama Bay, Casco Viejo and the new city overlooking the Cinta Costera.
The ExpoVino inauguration was held on Wednesday, September 15, but the exposition is open to the general public through Saturday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Entrance costs $3 and unlimited wine tasting costs $15. There are 38 wine exhibitors who come from around the world and from within Panama. Restaurants and delicatessens also feature their products.
Join the Vino Club!
The Club de Vinos de Panama meets regularly to taste wines, enjoy excellent gastronomy and keep up on the wonderful world of wine. Visit www.clubdevinodepanama.com.
Expo Vino started over ten years ago as an initiative of chefs Willy Diggleman, Pedro Masoliver, Rafael Ciniglio, and Lidia Steck. These famous Panama City chefs are the founding members of the Club de Vinos. For more information contact juanca0697@hotmail.com or 6611-5708.
Panama tasty!
September means gastronomic bliss at 25 top capital restaurants
Participating Restaurants:
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From September 13 to 27 Panama City shine as a destination paradise for gourmet food lovers and fine wine aficionados. Panama Restaurant Week has united 25 of the capital city’s best epicurean destinations under one program that features a prixe fixe menu including appetizer, main course, dessert, a “Ron Abuelo dirty mojito”, glass of Morandé wine and a Canada Dry Ginger Ale all at a pre-established and promotional rate price.
The promotion is on at lunch and dinner at all of the participating restaurants. Panama’s varied gastonomic offer is one if the capital city’s better attributes, which most tourists and visitors attribute to rounding out their city experience.
The chefs at participating restaurants are as international as the cuisine they serve. Famous chefs from France, Switzerland, Peru, Italy, Puerto Rico, Spain and of course Panama are looking forward to spoiling their guests with only the best. Panama Restaurant Week began three years ago and has quickly grown into a world class event, putting Panama’s dining scene on par with New York and Miami, cities that are both well known for their very own and very successful restaurant weeks. More info at www.panamarestaurantweek.com.
Movies / Películas
Grown Ups
Five former teammates meet years later, along with their wives (Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph) and children, to pay tribute to their recently deceased childhood basketball coach. They spend the July 4 holiday together in a house on the lake, where years before they had celebrated winning the championship. Soon they discover that being older does not mean that they have necessarily matured.
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Kitty Galore, a former agent of the elite spy organization “meows”, became a villain In 48 hours, think unleash a diabolical device designed not only to dominate their opponents canines, but also to kill their former comrades kittens and make the world your post to sharpen their nails. Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to work together for the first time in history in an unusual partnership to save themselves and their humans.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master of magic in Manhattan today, trying to defend the city from the ultimate enemy, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). But he can not do it alone, so recruited as his protege Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) an apparently ‘normal’ boy with hidden potential. He gives a crash course on the art and science of magic. Together, these diverse partners must stop the forces of darkness.
The Last Airbender
Aang (Noah Ringer) has the power to control the four elements. As a young “Master of the Air” he is the only weapon that can repel the deadly attack of the Fire Nation and eventually restore the balance in a world shattered by war. But can he fully master his skills and become the hero that everyone needs before it is too late?
The Grudge 3
A Japanese woman hides the secret to ending the curse of Kayako. She travels to a Chicago apartment where a family is struggling to survive against the ghosts. Together, they will face the ghost of Kayako to save their souls and prevent their tragic fate.
Alejandro Sanz concert at Figali in November
Last Friday concert tickets for Spanish pop-rock star Alejandro Sanz went on sale. This talented artiste is loved by Spanish-speaking crowds all over the world. He is bringing his “Paraiso” (paradise) world tour to the Figali Convention Center in Panama City on November 9 this year.
Singer-songwriter Sanz, from Madrid, has been in show business for 20 years. He has released ten albums, six DVDs, won 14 Latin Grammy awards and two Grammy awards and sold over 25 million albums.
Tickets are available at Blockbuster and start from $30.
Limp Bizkit concert in October
The legendary American rock group Limp Bizkit will perform in Panama City on October 16 at the Figali Convention Center. There was a lot of speculation and open disbelief among fans who couldn’t believe that they would be able to hear their all time favorites like “Chocolate Starfish” and “Hot Dog Flavored Water” live and see these late-90’s-early-00’s rock heroes on stage.
This rock band that has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and won countless music awards is being brought to Panama by Showpro. Tickets are on sale now at TicketPlus locations including Farmacia Metro and Extreme Planet beginning at $35. More information at www.showpro.com.pa
Country Fairs
Panama’s fairs and festivals are colorful and lively. Country-folk are friendly and welcoming so they are excellent venues for visitors to get a taste of the ‘real’ Panama. See the schedule which follows.
Septiembre 23-26 Festival de la Mejorana en Guararé
Septiembre 29 - Octubre 3 Feria Internacional de Changuinola, Bocas del Toro
Octubre 1-3 Feria de Camarón Arriba Santa Rosa Bugaba, Chiriquí
Octubre 7-10 Feria de Isla Tigre, Kuna Yala
Octubre 13-17 Festival del Torito Guapo en Antón, Coclé
Octubre 22 Festival del Café de Río Sereno, Chiriquí
Noviembre 2 Fiesta de la Vaca Loca, Veraguas
Noviembre 3 Día Nacional, Separación de Panamá de Colombia
Noviembre 5 Día Nacional, Grito de Independencia en Colón
Noviembre 10 Día Nacional, Primer Grito de Independencia en Los Santos
Noviembre 27 Feria de San Andrés en Bugaba, Chiriquí
Noviembre 28 Día Nacional, Independencia de Panamá de España.
Noviembre 29 Día Nacional (Día libre debido al 28 de Noviembre)
Diciembre 8 Día de la madre
Religious festivals
Every city, village and region in Panama has its own annual religious celebration dedicated to a patron saint. These festivals provide a colorful and charming way to experience local traditions and beliefs.
Septiembre 21 Fiestas Patronales Santo Tomás Villa Nueva, provincia de Los Santos
Septiembre 24 Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Las Mercedes, provincia de Herrera y Los Santos
Septiembre 27 Fiestas Patronales de San Vicente en Puerto Armüelles, provincia de Chiriquí
Septiembre 29 Fiestas Patronales de San Miguel Arcángel, provincias de Herrera y Los Santos
Octubre 4 Fiestas Patronales de San Francisco de Asís
Octubre 5 Fiestas Patronales Virgen del Rosario, Guararé – Los Santos
Octubre 16 Fiestas Patronales de Santa Eduviges, Sabanitas, provincia de Colón
Octubre 21 Festival del Cristo Negro, Portobelo, Colón
Octubre 28 Fiestas Patronales de San Judas Tadeo, varias provincias
Noviembre 25 Fiestas Patronales de Santa Catalina en Pedasí
Noviembre 27 Fiestas Patronales Potrerillos Arriba, Dolega, Chiriquí
Noviembre 30 Fiestas Patronales San Andrés, provincia de Herrera y Los Santos
Diciembre 4 Fiestas Patronales de Santa Bárbara en Las Minas, provincia de Herrera y Los Santos
Diciembre 17 Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Guadalupe, en varias provincias