Panama City Carnival revelers flock to Via Transistmica for the five day celebration. Each day the City Carnival Queen adorns her float and blows kisses while dancing to music played by her "murga" band in the big parades. Along the route there are stages for live music performances, the "sancocho" vendors selling typical Panamanian-style chicken soup, and "toldo" clubs.
At the "culecos" thousands of people jumping in the streets under jets of water shout "Agua! Agua!" to attain relief from the heat. Carnival in Panama City offers musical variety, dancing, tasty Panamanian street-fare and an abundance of beer and liquor among some of the most party-minded people on the planet.\
In 2008 the main stage was located on Via Transistmica between The Oxford School and and La Salle High. This is where the most famous performers made presentations and where the Queen and her court spent most of the Carnival. Other venues, called "toldos" were set up in the surrounding area of Via Trasistmica. Each one had a musical theme: Raggeton, Salsa - Merengue, Old-style Panamanian Typical, and Modern Typical among others.
The parade began each day at 3:00 pm with 20 floats per day. "Toldo" clubs began presentations at 9:00 pm that lasted until 4:00 am. The Queen, her two princesses and the runners-up for the crown participated by visiting the different "toldos" and animating the public.
Panamanians come from all over the world to celebrate the biggest party in their country every year. Panama shuts down and everyone has a license to party. It is a time to relax and cut loose. People act crazy in the streets, dye their hair all sorts of colors and really get into the true spirit of the celebration, which is to work out all the carnal desires before repenting for Lent.
Smiles abound. In such a social environment, many friendships are made. Some of them even last a lifetime. People new to this party should remember to drink lots of water, protect themselves from the sun and open their hearts. Beautiful things happen when this hard-working, important country stops for a few days just to have a good time.
