New mayor sweeps Boscos follies into history
Panama’s new broom mayor will be wielding it in December to sweep away the plastic Disney stylevillages that her predecessor, Bosco Ricardo Vallarino, planted on the Cinta Costera and replace them with more Christian events.
Known by many as Bosco’s follies they created controversy, and complaints about direct no bid contracts to acquaintances of Vallarino, the lack of Christmas themes and the noise from carols recordings blasting throughout the day and late into the night.
Last year there were panic stampedes by crowds because of reports of gunfire, and thousands of dollars of damage to fences and grass. The highly publicized closing ceremony was moved to a sports stadium The previous year electrical fitting and public washrooms were vandalized.
“Bosco’s follies” will be replaced by Christmas posadas, said Mayor Roxana Mendezon Friday, June 1, and and added that the city will seek provide a more Christian events throughout the year.
"We will give you another sense to the resources on the coastal strip, with attention to the Christian practices, lead by the church," she said on RPC Radio .
She will also seek to optimize the resources allocated to the activity. According to Mendez, with 70% of the budget ($ 700 thousand) which was intended for Christmas Villas there will now be three activities. Last year, between $850,000 and $900,000 on just one she said.. Part of the budget will go to a Children's Day parade on June 15 , the traditional Christmas parade and some Christmas themed lodges on the coastal strip.
