Thousands march in Panama as inspectors check dress code

Over 100 schools , 41 state and civic delegations and eight independent bands took part in the November 3 parades on two city routes, to mark 107 years of separation from Columbia.

Skirts of  many participating girl students were longer than in previous years,and ties for boys had to be knotted at the neck, following a new government directive.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Education monitored the two parades, one starting at the presidential palace in Casco Viejo and marching to Avenida Balboa, the other marching along Via Espana.
The inspectors also had note books in hand to verify if schools were meeting standards set for the parade.
They were checking to ensure that student delegations made the salute to the VIP stage without stopping, and to assess the performances of the school bands.
The parade on Via Espana ran on time, so much so that independent bands who arrived late were turned away.

They hastened across the city to join the parade from the presidential palace where the start was delayed by a display of Panama’s “military” strength, as heavily armed border units in jungle camouflage outfits were on show in front of the country’s leaders. Panama’s constitution formally 

abolished the military in 1994 five years after the downfall of the last of the military dictators.

La Prensa commented that the display was evidence that the military spirit persists among the rank and file and their leaders.
In contrast, Panama’s popular bomberos (firemen and women) were warmly applauded on the Via Espana route.
Security was tight at both parades, with a strong police presence, and there were no reported violent incidents.

Roadside vendors selling  everything from food and soft drinks to chairs, balloons, candy floss, 

toffee apples and trumpets, reported that sales were up against lat year when the celebrations were interrupted by rain.

Elsewhere in the city at least 105 traffic accidents were recorded. According to the Transport Authority (ATTT).
There were 95 accidents from collisions and overturning and three crashes that left 10 people injured.

In addition there were 288 traffic violations, and 24 impaired driving tickets were  handed out.
Twenty one offending vehicles were towed and 107 tickets issued to people caught in radar traps.

The parades were repeated on flag day, Thursday November 4, with the participants exchanging routes.

Coming up on the horizon will be some extraordinary celebrations as Panama prepares for the 500th anniversary of the city's founding, in 1513. An organizing committee has already been put in place. {jathumbnail off}