The big hype around here right now, is the "Carnival". Everyone is talking about it. Why not blog about it? It is well known that the greatest parties in the world, comes to life in Latin America. No need to travel to Brazil or Louisiana to take part in the best pre-lent activities. It will be all happening right here, in some parts of Panama City. These annual carnival festivities are always set to begin each year, in the four days prior to Ash Wednesday. To my surprise, we are talking four consecutive days of observed Statutory Holidays, and was advised that banks, schools, and stores are all closed, including gas stations. It is when all work and seriousness comes to a stop. No kidding....Four days of partying, that will go on with the same fashion and abandon as Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans! Parades, music, dance, chanting and drinking. Yes, it will go on until the wee hours of Ash Wednesday morning......
Here in Coronado Bay, where we are spending part of the winter, we were told to get ready and stock up, for that period of time. Although we are only one hour away, some Panamanians from the City, will be flocking here, to their beach vacation condos, just to get away from it all. We have already had a taste of how they enjoy their free time on the weekends since our arrival here We definitely experienced more noise, latino music and more people around the pools and beaches on week ends. They sure know how to have fun. They dance, sing all night long, to then return to the big city on Sunday evening.
Here in Coronado Bay, where we are spending part of the winter, we were told to get ready and stock up, for that period of time. Although we are only one hour away, some Panamanians from the City, will be flocking here, to their beach vacation condos, just to get away from it all. We have already had a taste of how they enjoy their free time on the weekends since our arrival here We definitely experienced more noise, latino music and more people around the pools and beaches on week ends. They sure know how to have fun. They dance, sing all night long, to then return to the big city on Sunday evening.
It's been a while since I have reflected about Mardi Gras celebrations. Home as a child, I remember winter carnivals, which probably coincided with pre lenten activities. Actually, carnivals took birth in France, in the medieval Aira. The word carnival comes from Latin, "carnelevarium" that means remove meat. Of course.... "meat" in Spanish or Latin is "carne". Carne/Carnival. It is a vegetarian unfriendly custom to remove meat from ones diet until Easter. Makes sense to me . A long time ago, ( did I just show my age?) for whom remembers, it was our religious custom to remove meats and only have fish, during the penitential season, prior to Easter.
Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, also known as shrove Tuesday, is all about giving it all, before lent. In the 1700's it was custom, to slaughter the fatten cow, eat and be merry. Custom to eat all the fat that was left in the pantry before lent.
For myself, having spent a few nights in New Orleans, I have absolutely no desire to be in the middle of the celebrating crowds of Panama, Brazil or NewOrleans on this night. A little too much for me.
Mardi Gras is finally here, and in Coronado Bay, it was more quiet than expected. We will be joining the locals, expats, nomads and snow birds like us, to fireworks on the beach tonight, compliments of a firebug from Manitoba Canada. Who would of known?
Sorry, I have no photos to share on this blog. I guess, I will have to take out the camera and get something going for my next blog. Will it be birds? Trees? Will see.
Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, also known as shrove Tuesday, is all about giving it all, before lent. In the 1700's it was custom, to slaughter the fatten cow, eat and be merry. Custom to eat all the fat that was left in the pantry before lent.
For myself, having spent a few nights in New Orleans, I have absolutely no desire to be in the middle of the celebrating crowds of Panama, Brazil or NewOrleans on this night. A little too much for me.
Mardi Gras is finally here, and in Coronado Bay, it was more quiet than expected. We will be joining the locals, expats, nomads and snow birds like us, to fireworks on the beach tonight, compliments of a firebug from Manitoba Canada. Who would of known?
Sorry, I have no photos to share on this blog. I guess, I will have to take out the camera and get something going for my next blog. Will it be birds? Trees? Will see.
Happy Mardi Gras!
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