Panama Christmas traditions contain a curious mixture of Spanish and American traditions due to the Americans building the Panama canal. Panama is a very small country; just smaller than the state of Indiana and they have a population of about 3 million people. About one fourth of the county's populations lives in Panama City, because of this, Panama city is the center of the country's Christmas celebration.
On the second weekend in December the festivities begin. The Panama City Christmas parade is one of the most exciting Panama Christmas traditions. The poor children from around the city are gathered together and brought to the center of the festivities, so they, too, can enjoy them. The floats are decorated in the national styles and the women dress in their country's party dresses, polleras. The men's costumes are calledmonunos. Here are some beautiful pictures from one of their parades.
Smaller neighborhoods love to hold the Spanish Las Posada on the nine days before Christmas. They dress as Mary and Joseph. To mimic the search for a place in the inn, they parade from house to house. At the final house where they are received, they sing, hit piñatas and enjoy food.
Nacimientos, Nativities are set up in many homes. the Christmas tree may or may not be present.In the Panama Canal zone, which is Americanized, there are extravagant outdoor displays with Christmas lights and nativity scenes.
On Christmas Eve at midnight, the Panamanians don't ring the Christmas bells to announce the coming of the Lord Jesus, but instead shoot off fabulous fireworks. No one misses the beginning of Christmas in Panama.
For more information visit http://www.family-christmas-traditions.com/Panama-Christmas-traditions.html
Travel Safe and Often.
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