David’s Independence from Colombia Parade
Nov 3rd, 2006 by Don Ray
I spent about an hour watching just a small portion of the Independence Day parade. It started about 9:00 and will go until 3:00 or later. I think that most of the participants today were local to David. Tomorrow that will be another set from David and other areas of Panama. This is really a big deal and everyone turns out. People come and bring their umbrellas and chairs and make a day of it.
The start of the parade was at the Parque le las Madres and will go through town and end up at Super99. That is a lonnnnnng walk. I know, because I have done it on one of my walks before. I would have liked to have spent more time there, but it was too hot for me. I wore a long sleeved shirt and my arms did ok, but my face sort of resembles a lobster.
In an hours time I took about 90 photos and 15 videos. That may seem like a lot, but it is a minor part of today’s activities. All of the schools in Panama have been practicing for the past few months for the November 3 parade and for the November 28 Independence from Spain parade.
You are going to see the schools and many will have the facility marching with them. I think the best way to do this is provide you with some of the photos and some of the videos and the rest will be in the Chiriqui Chatter photo album. I plan on loading all of the videos out to YouTube.com. Between the photos and the videos you will get a little flavor of today’s festivities.
Ok. Lets start the parade. Here are 30 photos. While they are relative small, the page may load longer than usual.
I got there just after the first group had pasted.
This is the band for the previous group.
Each school has its banner to identify it.
I thought these were cuties.
Facility from one of the schools.
My old high school colors.
Looks like a military band doesn’t it.
One of the school queens.
Here is old Glory.
Another Queen.
This is a school for chefs. Could you tell?
The crowds lined both sides of the street.
Another cutie.
And another
.
And several more.
Another of the bands.
More cuties. How did they get in there?
A real sweetheart. She saw me taking photos and wanted to be on the Internet too. I promised her she would be.
Another little one strutting her stuff.
Seems like my camera got stuck on all the pretty women.
Here is a band waiting for their turn. They are probably in the afternoon.
The last photo. Two young ladies waiting for their chance to march.
I took a total of 14 videos today. Below are a few of them.
This was the first band in the parade.
Watch this one for a surprise.
There are several more videos taken in the Chiriqui Province of Panama and you can find them at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ChiriquiChatter All photos taken today are in the Chiriquí Chatter Photo Album.
Cool pics. Am in the states now but will be in Boquete for the Nov 28 parade which seems to go for about 10 hours each year.
Penny
Thanks for dropping in Penny. I have some good videos that I am trying to get uploaded. Check back to see if I am successful.
Don, This reminds me of my youth in a little town in Michigan. “Anchors Away” - I thought it was the Navy Band. Great stuff for young people and everyone else. You never have a dull moment it seems. Good for you. Dick
I tend to have a good time most days Dick. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Thanks so much. We visit PC about twice a year. Hope to retire there soon. We have not been to David, yet. Watching the videos and looking at the photos makes me “homesick” for the good people of Panama!
Hi Karen. Glad you enjoyed the videos.
[...] last year’s post, I had photos and videos. This year will contain only photos. I will post some I selected and I [...]