DANCING IN PEDASI, PANAMA.
No photos or video can come close to give justice to what we have experienced on a fine Saturday night in Pedasi, Panama. A small tiny fishing village with a population of approximately three to four thousand people. A well preserved charming setting of colonial homes, located five hours away from the big city of Panama. To my surprise, it looked more like an agricultural settlement than a fishing village as it was about a mile away from the water front, away from the beautiful white sand dunes and blue ocean. The only housing located right on the yellow fin tuna beaches, where some newer homes, condo style villas on the near point. Now that, made me wonder.!!! The fisherman were obviously onto something, for not establishing themselves right on the water, as Panama, like all of their neighbouring countries, all share the same threats, of volcanic eruptions, disastrous earthquakes and tsunamis. I later found out, that the small fishing village was struck by a tsunami some 100 years ago or more.
The people of this village, definitely know, how to show for the well preserved folklore traditions, dating back hundreds of years. After spending half the day on a little neighbouring island we also discovered how friendly the locals were. It was on our way back from the beach, that we found out, the village was preparing for a community dance. Of course, we had to investigate further. That Saturday night, just had to be the most magical evening I have ever spent, "dancing" that is. The venue was a permanent open concept structure, a large roof covered cement dance floor, with a poorly lit stage. The bar consisted of large plastic fish bins, full of ice, $1.00 beer and rum that you purchased by the bottle. Within two minutes after our arrival we where invited by the friendly villagers, to share the evening with them. They offered us chairs along with their warm hospitality. Fun it was, I kid you not! The dance floor was absolutely magical. It was like walking into a movie set. Young and old where dancing ( sorry, no children or teens ) to "Tipico" music, strutting their stuff at the sound and beat of this amazing ten man band, lead by the accordionist, playing the "accordion", not a "squeeze box". Other than the "Salomas" a style of yelling/singing, the band was composed solemnly of musicians. Some men, were wearing my favourite, the "Panamanian Hat" and all of them, men and women wore thigh jeans and a nice clean shirt. It was definitely obvious that we where visitors in our flip flops, skirt and shorts. (Too hot for anything else, believe me!)
The dance and music was definitely traditional and done in a waist down fashion, feet and hips. The dancers were all, amazingly moving their feet to the rhythm and beat that you just could not resist. Got to love Latino music. Some sets, were danced in couples and others solo, the later, in a large circular counter clockwise motion, a bit like a square dance but not quite. You just mingled with everyone and let music take you away. An easy dance to follow, as it did not take us very long to get into it. Each dance or set, went on for a very long period of time, followed by a long break, a chance to refresh and socialize. I am still in "awe" about that evening, I doubt very much that something could ever top it off.
Photos? So sorry, there is no way I could of captured those magical moments. I am posting some photos of "Iguana island" we visited that day, the beach, the thousand of "hermit crabs" that tickled our toes, the fishing boats, boat house and our boat taxi. A few photos of the unique Bed And Breakfast and of course, my favourite, the Panama hat. Enjoy!
Yap, these are all Hermit crabs!
Our Taxi boat.
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