Panama’s Traditional November 3rd Festivities Have Been Canceled at the Presidential Palace Next Month.

The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, confirmed the cancellation of the traditional reveilles (las dianas) held at the Presidential Palace during the early morning of November 3, as part of the celebrations of the national holidays. Traditionally, the celebration kicks off at dawn inside the palace patio with musical performances by security forces and independent bands, followed by flag raising, presentation of the flag and the national anthem. 

“The only thing I can say for sure is that there will be no reveille at the Presidential Palace this year, because there is nothing to celebrate. I have to meet with the Cabinet on Tuesday; we may discuss it with the ministers. I know that some places have suspended their traditional festivals, but we will see the parades soon,” Mulino stated.  The decision is a response to the situation the country is facing after the earthquake of October 9, which affected thousands of Panamanian families, and a sign of solidarity from the President. 

Relief and recovery efforts are still be conducted in the communities hard hit by the earthquake.  Regarding the patriotic parades, the president indicated that topic will be evaluated during the next Cabinet meeting, where he will discuss the matter with the ministers. The final decision will be announced in due course.  The cancellation of the parades comes amid relief and recovery efforts in the communities affected by the earthquake, while the government has yet to decide whether the parades on November 3rd will take place.