Monday 10 November 2014

Independence Parades - Internet Problems...



Anyone who was using the internet on November 3rd  may have noticed that the Google Doodle was changed to mark the anniversary of Panama’s achieving independence from Colombia 111 years ago.  In fact, Panama has achieved independence more than once.  This anniversary commemorates its independence from Colombia but it also, earlier, became independent from Spain.  Then, of course, there is the little matter of the withdrawal of the North American colony at the end of 1999 when Panama recovered not only the control of the Canal, but also a very substantial section of territory within, and surrounding, its capital city.

This whole week is dedicated to celebrating independence and there are many patriotic functions of different types.  The really big thing here is the parades.  On the 3rd there was a parade that was made up of all the major organs of the state – Police, Fire Brigade, Coast Guard, and other state and semi-state bodies.  These were joined by the secondary schools of the city – loads and loads of them!!!  In all, the parade took about 4 hours to pass the viewing stand at the Presidential Residence (El Palacio de la Garzas – The Palace of the Egrets as it is called here).  Each group marching takes it very seriously indeed and has been rehearsing for weeks, months, or even since last year.  However, that said, it really is rather dull after a while because there are only so many ways that you can get a group of school kids to march.

On the 4th there was another parade made up of what are called “Independent Bands”.  These are bands that are not connected to any institution as such.  They are very often associated with areas of the city or with other areas in the country.  Many of them, in fact were associated with Evangelical churches which is an indication of the big inroads churches such as these are making in South America.  

This parade was something worth seeing.  The participants didn’t so much walk or march, as dance their way through the route.  Bands, majorettes, dancers all made their way in a very orderly and serious manner along the Cinta Costera (the Coast Road).  A lot of trouble had obviously been gone to and it was amazing to see the coordination being so meticulously observed and held to. 
The heavens opened during this parade which meant that we all got a real soaking – the rain pelted down just like it would in an episode of a cartoon with Woody Woodpecker or Bugs Bunny.  And then, just as quickly, it stopped, and we were being scorched by the sun.  While the rain must have been hard for the marchers, the sun must have been ten times worse – it was just relentless!!!  I had brought a hat but at one point I had to take refuge under a tree to give myself a break from the sheer heat of the sun.  In fact, it is a fact that the marchers were wetter due to the sun and the perspiration than they had been due to the rain.

Worth seeing?  Absolutely!  But I certainly wouldn’t be able to march in it!!!

Because it is a week of fiestas all public offices and a lot of businesses are closed – it’s like a sort of national Galway Races.  That means that internet problems that we have been having are unlikely to be addressed until after this week when, almost certainly, we will have to take our place in the queue – posting has not been possible during this week.  I went to visit our mission in Tole which meant I was probably further than usual from the centre of things which probably didn’t help.  I notice now, since I returned last night, things seem to be working – but for how long???

Lots of things to comment on during this week so I will do it bit by bit - in the meantime, enjoy some of the pictures of the parade on the 4th of November.
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Before parade started

Some of the thousands of people waiting for parade

Bridge was a great vantage point until the rain

Women dancing preceding their local band

Rain doesn't put people off here

No protection for the marchers


Toffee Apples - but here it's so hot the toffee doesn't set properly

All age groups take part

"Are we there yet???"

Soaked!!!

Very traditional hair-pin - still very popular

These guys Break-danced the whole route


Look at the hips - drumming and dancing at the same time


Each band follows a flag - or, in this case, many flags

A marcher of yesteryear guides her group

A real family occasion

One of the people handing out water to marchers - tree growing out of head is optional


Lots of kids are included

"Has anyone seen a parade around here???"

Swords to make them stand out

"Very strong heels"

How she would love to be in the parade and not just watching!!!

Total concentration


Taken very seriously


A mini version of the traditional "Pollera" (Chicken-chaser) dress.  See photos of Chitre fiesta


Blowing from the heart

The face behind "the blow"

The hand signal means he is from the province of Colon

Fr.. Edwin OSA

Who needs hair extensions when you can have arms as long as these???

"... it just takes two..."







If you can't join them, eat!!!


In background you can see them throw drums in to the air

Municipal clean-up team

After it's all over

Statue of St. Thomas of Villanova (Augustinian Saint)

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