Seminary in Panama: Independence Parades

Anyone who was using the internet on November 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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.