And don't they love a parade...

They clearly love a parade here in Panama. First the Cabalgatas with every horse in the country, and now of course it's Easter. And in this strongly Catholic country, that means a parade.

The largest in the country is in a tiny town about 15kms from David called Alanje. About 15 thousand attend in a town of 200. Also, thousands of people walk here (some over 50kms) to say thanks for prayers answered previously. Some have been making this walk for over twenty years. I'd be praying that I don't get run over on next years walk...

Easter of course is big here. Mandy, if you thought Good Friday was boring in Melbourne, don't come to Panama! The sale of alcohol is prohibited from midday Thursday until midday Saturday. No-one told me! I couldn't even buy a bottle of wine! It's the Blood of Christ for Gods sake! (couldn't buy sake either). Oh well, I guess a couple of AFD's can't hurt...

But we're not going to Alanje (we've got a car), so we're off to Boquete that also has a famous parade that brings thousands to the town for Good Friday.

The parade starts at 7:30, so naturally we get there at 5:30 for a good spot.

The Parade gets underway at 8:30.

And for a parade that attracts thousands, it's actually pretty lame. There are only four floats, with hundred of people walking behind each one. Not really much to see! But anyway, below are some pics and descriptions of each float. Sorry for the crap quality, but my iPad is still rooted so can't upload photos. These were taken with my phone.

Float #1
A very substantial illuminated cross carried by about 20 blokes. They had to stop every 40 metres to rest. Obviously a heavy cross to bear. The guy with the long sticks job is to lift the overhead powerlines over the top of the cross. Very important job I think, the parade being led by a burning cross would not be a good look...

Float #2
Pretty self explanatory I think. This one had the most people following, about a thousand I guess.

Float #3
The Virgin Mary I think. I do actually have some information on this float though. It is being towed by a New Holland TS400 tractor. This model delivers over 190bhp through a 12 speed transmission, and has a turning diameter of under 8 metres with high clearance, making it ideal for use growing potatoes, bananas, or corn, which the Indians call "maize".

Float #4
Similar to the first, looks very heavy, but, wait a minute... are they WHEELS?!? No wonder they've been relegated to the back. Probably the Protestant float...


Parade finishes about 10:30 (mainly because of the first float continuously stoping I think).

Only 14 hours to go til I can buy some booze!


Hasta,