Fiestas Patrias en Boquete – part 2!

If it seems like I just wrote a post on Patriotic happenings in Boquete…it’s because I did! There not one – but two – independence celebrations in Panama in November. This time around, we are celebrating independence from Spain.

There are a number of events and parades taking place all weekend. Here are some of the highlights:

Friday November 26
Inauguration of the pedestrian sidewalk in downtown Boquete. This one’s a bit controversial: a number of parking spots were lost to the walkway and – for the time being – there’s not much to see when you stroll around the square. But nevertheless – it will be celebrated! There will be performances and fireworks. As of 2:00 pm this afternoon, they were still laying down parts of the sidewalk.

Saturday, November 27
2:00 p.m. – Horse Parade through Boquete’s main street. Watch where you walk!
7:00 p.m. – Torch Parade that starts at the Los Naranjos Gym and ends at the Boquete Fire Station

Sunday, November 28
8:00 a.m. – Ceremony commemorating Panama’s independence from Spain. Takes place in front of the municipal building, across from the central park. School bands, folkloric presentations from Veraguas Province and more.
1:00 p.m. – Parade!

There is also a disco set up across Cabanas on the Feria road. Lots of bass-pumping action Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Every conceivable street meat available, washed down with an ice cold cerveza.

sloth boquete panama flights

New Flights to Panama

sloth boquete panama flights

Thanks to Ursula from Panama Travel Group, we’ve received some exciting updates about new direct flights to Panama.

Madrid – Panama Airline: Iberia. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting October 1, 2010
Frankfurt – Panama Airline: Lufthansa. Departure dates to be determined. Starting November 1
Panama – Japan – Salomon Shamah, administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, is visiting Japan with a Copa Airlines rep to submit a business plan to the directors of All Nippon Airways (ANA). If this goes forward, an air link would be established in 2011.
Panama – Amsterdam– Air France-KLM plan to increase their weekly flights on this route in November, possibly up to seven a week.

(Sloth designed by David Shenoda, featured on shirt.woot.com)

November Holidays in Panama

November is holiday-heavy in Panama. Great if you live and work here, but potentially disruptive if you are not prepared. Keep these dates handy if you plan to visit.

Monday, November 2: All Souls Day (Day of the Dead). No loud music, no alcohol sales. Banks open.
Tuesday, November 3: Celebration of the Separation of Panama from Colombia.
Wednesday, November 4: Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera).
Thursday, November 5: Colon Day (the city, not the organ).
Tuesday, November 10: Celebration of the Uprising in Los Santos. Los Santos declared independence from Spain first, prompting Panama City to act and declare formal separation on….
November 28, Saturday: Celebration of Panama’s Independence from Spain.

On November 3, 4, 5, 10 and 28: Banks and public and private offices closed. Grocery stores open. Roads may be blocked for parades–keep this in mind when making your travel plans.