November is National Holiday month!!

There are a lot of national holidays in Panama during the month of  November:  November 3 (Independence Day) and November 4 (Flag Day) are the main national holidays. On November 3, there was a HUGE parade, which showcased all of the public offices, schools, and other groups who wanted to be recognized (aka, protesters who wanted the limelight). It was mandatory for all schools to participate. All of the Directoras marched, and the call went out for volunteers to join. Around 25 students and over 30 facutly members decided to particpate as well. It was quite the show.  The parade started at 8:45ish with all of the municipal offices, but the schools didn't go through until 1:00ish! It was a long, hot, sunny day. Then torrential dowpour!  But fun, nonetheless, and thoroughly entertaining!

Waiting in the shade!

The National Band

Waiting with noise maker

Notice the water bottle? It was for the dogs!! Little showers for feet go a long way!

Tipico!!

A colorful "monster" steals children from the crowd!! Had to go chasing after them.  All in good fun.

Can you imagine walking a parade in these shoes??

Some of Panama's oldest buildings

The Presidential Palace - the entire parade goes by the Palace and perform for the president.

Someone very important. Of course we can't see who it is because the windows are tinted. Is there anyone even in there? One would never know!

So cool!

The Directoras of Colegio Brader