Panama Carnival!



It is that time of year when the celebration that basically all Panamanians look forward to is Carnival! I would say it is like the United States Mardi Gras due to similar timing and the party can get a bit wild and crazy. It is about four days since the party really starts on Saturday and up until Fat Tuesday. So I think it is still a very unique experience and a cultural moment that people who are not from Panama to experience! Everyone is in party mode and the atmosphere is fun, especially the larger cities that are really well known, Las Tablas, Chitre, and Los Santos. Smaller Carnival celebrations but still popular locations are in Penenome, Capira/Chorrera, and Panama City. Also, places near the beach I heard are fun as well because after all day out in the sun, it is relaxing to chill by the ocean, so Las Lajas is a good destination as well in Veraguas, Panama.

They are really big on beauty queens so they will have the parades with pretty women and the special thing about Carnival here is that they spray the crowds with water. This occasion is during the summer months here so to get sprayed down with water is refreshing! Therefore, it is best to wear a swim suit or tank tops and shorts.  I did not go to the larger cities but near my community in a larger community I went to a smaller carnival celebration that was still awesome. I imagine that the bigger celebration is much crazier!



I did return from the USA at the same time Carnival was starting here so Panama City has a smaller celebration than Los Santos/Tablas but it is still fun to check out if you are not interested to go cross country. They open the festival with fireworks near Casco Viejo on that Friday in the city and stages with music on the Cinta Costera too, with colorful lights. It will be a non-stop party for five days so be sure to pace yourself and do not over do it on the first night!






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