Carnaval is a yearly celebration that takes place 40 days before the Christian holy week. The celebration begins on a Friday and ends the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Rio de Janerio is famous for Carnaval festivities but Carnaval is celebrated in Panama with just as much exuberance. In fact, Panama has the second biggest Carnival celebration in the world. Carnaval has been celebrated in Panama since the early 1900’s and the country, quite literally, shuts down for pre-Lent activities.
The center of the festivities is a town in the interior of the country, Las Tablas. Las Tablas is located in the province of Los Santos on the Azuero peninsula. Most of the Azuero peninsula is alive with lavish celebrations. In many places a “war” is waged between competing “calles.” The “Calle Arriba (upper street) and the “Calle Abajo” (lower street) compete to outdo each other by building immaculate floats and costumes. Each area elects its own Carnaval queen to preside over the weeks celebrations and there is often a daily princess.
Las Tablas is known as the hub of Carnaval activities but Panama City is alive and full of festivities. Many of the main streets are closed to accommodate immaculate parades and the Cinta Costera is bustling with people, street vendors and musicians. Many blogs and websites provide more specific details on your local festivities!
Carnaval is a perfect opportunity for you to use Panamanian slang! Our twitter feed provides “la palabra del dia” and often times this word is slang. If you don’t already follow us now is a perfect time to, “jump on the bandwagon!” We will guide you through our guide to Panamanian slang! Here are a few words and phrases that will come in handy this weekend:
“¡Dale Valor!” – Turn up the volume!”
“Por Fuera.” – “I’m out.”
“Arranque” – to go party and get drunk. Example:”Para el fin de semana tengo un arranque con mis amigos.”
“Chupata” – a party with lots of alcohol. Example: “En Carnaval hay bastante chupata.”
Enjoy the Carnival festivities and remember the school will re-open for normal hours next Wednesday, February 22.