2009 Coronado, Panama Christmas Parade

It was at least 90 degrees outside and I could hear them coming before I saw them. A sea of red and white and the sound of drums louder than I had ever heard. The annual Coronado Christmas Parade happened this past Saturday, December 5. Beginning at the Fire Station in Coronado and making its way down Punta Prieta to the Golf Club. To start the parade there was the Esquela Las Lajas. The young girls of 5 or 6, were in the front marching along wearing white T-shirts with poinsettias on the front and red skirts. Behind them came the drummers and the baton twirlers. It was different to see all the parents walking along with the kids rather than everyone standing on the side of the street watching.      

The second band had xylophones, making it sound more like Christmas. This was a school from San Carlos lead by girls in their blue school shirts and jeans with all the boys bringing up the rear on the drums in their Santa hats. The third and last school was from Chame, dressed all in white with red hats, also playing xylophones and tambourines and this time we got to hear Jingle Bells!  After this we were treated to Mary and Joseph, Mary was riding on her donkey, with the wise men following behind.

And of course what parade would be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause. Growing up in the frozen north Santa always came in a sled, but here in Panama Santa rides on a huge wooden cart pulled by two of the biggest, blackest bulls you have ever seen! They waved to everyone throwing candy for those of us on the sidelines.

The parade ended at the Coronado Golf club with a live nativity play and then of course the lighting of the Christmas tree in the hotel lobby. All in all it was very cute and helped to set the mood for the season. I do have to say that I really did feel for Santa and Mrs. Clause all dressed up in their traditional outfits on such a hot December day. Thanks Santa and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Photos: Richard Van Dyke