Hi friends,

For those of us who enjoy Carnival… paradise has arrived!

What do people do during Carnival and what is it all about?

It’s 100% about having fun! That means dressing up, dancing, drinking, eating, getting drenched in water, meeting fun people, WOW :D

Panama Carniva l2008

The Panama Carnival (or Carnaval in Spanish) has been celebrated since the early 1900s. It’s performed all over Panama but the largest celebrations take place in Panama City and Las Tablas (Los Santos province). Parades, floats, lively and beautiful costumes can be seen on main streets, like Via España in Panama City. Revelers can enjoy live music from famous Latin American artists like Sergio Vargas. During daytime the party is on the streets and in the evening it continues at discos, night clubs, bars and hotels.

What’s been going on in Panama City?

Day 1 (Friday - Feb 01)
The 2008 Carnival Queen was selected on Friday, and she is:

Panama Carnival Queen 2008

Liseth Díaz (center)
Many popular hotels offered festive events, with live music and lots of dancing and fun.

Day 2 (Saturday - Feb 02)
Carnaval parade on Via España! There were lots of people enjoying the music everywhere (music style is mostly salsa, Panamanian and Afro-Cuban).

Day 3 (Sunday - Feb 03)
At midday there are mesmerizing pollera parades throughout Panama (polleras are Panama’s traditional costumes).

Day 4 (Monday - Feb 04)
More parades! Be sure to get a taste of the yummy street food as well.

Day 5 (Tuesday - Feb 05)
This day is the most celebrated of all… and the parades show it. Enjoy impressive costumes, masks and decorated floats. Partying ends in the early hours of the morning.

On Wednesday you can sleep late… banks and some shops open at midday.

Panama Carnival

Some great Carnival links:
http://www.carnavaldepanama.com
http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20080125174142255
http://www.panamatours.com/Magazine/carnaval2003.htm
http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_12/issue_05/news_01.html

Enjoy the 2008 Panama Carnival and have lots of fun!

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