IL Postcard

Sheer Fun and Decadence: Are You Ready to Party Panama-Style?

Date: 01/14/2007

Ever hear of the Greek god Momus? Apparently, he was a real wild man… the god of satire, mockery, writers, and poets, he came to represent craziness at its best…it's no wonder he was adopted as the figurehead of Carnival celebrations across the world. (Many Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans tip their hat to old Momus, too.) So why the lesson in Greek mythology? Because the best time of the year (in Panama, at least) is fast approaching.

Carnaval season 2007 begins on Feb. 16, and celebrations will carry on through Feb. 20 (with some towns hosting small " Carnavalitos" the weekend after).
If you're planning to visit Panama during this time, I recommend you make hotel reservations early (hotels are usually between 90% and 100% occupancy during Carnaval). I also strongly recommend you budget some time to experience one of the great Carnaval celebrations-the festivities begin with each district proudly presenting their beautiful "queen," and there are glittering fantasy floats, performers of every kind, loud yet wonderful music, sticky fried street food, open-air dances and much, much more. Yes, it is bedlam…but it's also fun.

Last year I learned that the best place to party is Las Tablas, a small town in the province of Los Santos. The first Carnaval celebration here took place in 1895, and Las Tablas has been going strong ever since. What makes the festivities here so fun? A bit of healthy competition between the townsfolk - those that live downtown, or in Calle Abajo, and those from uptown, or Calle Arriba.

Each sector competes in every aspect of the whirlwind celebrations - and of course each side claims to have the most beautiful queens, the most fantastic floats, and the loudest supporters.

I've heard past parades have featured fire-breathing dragons (that really smoke at the nostrils) water and confetti showers, fireworks, and outfits that would put Las Vegas' best to shame. All this and some of Panama's most beautiful people-in 1998, one of the Carnaval queens went on to become a finalist in the Miss Universe pageant.

If you go, you might want to wear your swimming togs and invest in a waterproof camera…Panamanians love to douse unsuspecting revelers with water, beer or anything else that happens to be handy.

Best Regards,

Brandon Clogston
International Living / Panama

P.S. Check out Panama Insider, our detailed publication on all things Panama. In an upcoming issue we'll tell you more about Carnaval and give you the goods on some up-and-coming areas that, until now, have been our little secret. Be the first to know, with Panama Insider.