Panama Celebrates its Centennial Anniversary in November

November 1-9, 2003
For nine days in November, Panama will celebrate its 100th anniversary as an independent Republic. Festivals, parades, hisotrical recreations and special events will occur nationwide in celebration, and visitors are welcome to particape and enjoy the festivities. Throughout the country, special decorations portraying historic and distinguished figures in Panamanian history will be celebrated. Presentations will honor the advances in social programs for indigenous communities, school building and medical programs. La Vía Porras, a principle street in the Old Neighborhood of San Francisco de La Caleta will be the focus of several events. The new Monument Park, located on La Via Porras was newly constructed to celebrate the anniversay but also to provide a central point for locals and toursists alike for relaxing and meeting.

November 2
More than 3 million people are anticipated to march in a silent candle light procession from Ucarra Park to the Cathedral Independence Park in Panama City. Upon arrival at the Cathedral at 12:01am, they will sing the National Hymn and offically begin the festivities in celebration of November 3, the anniversary of 100 years of the Independent Republic. In small villages throughout the country, similar small scale evening candle light processions will occur.

November 3
At 8:00am churches and sinagogues will give thanks for 100 years of peaceful living, good fortunes, cultural diverstity and tolerance in a special service.
November 3 and 4
Free concerts with popular Latin American artists. 9:00pm - midnight.

For more information about the Anniversary, please visit the Spanish language website http://www.centenariopanama.org/index.htm