Walking in harmony for a cause

They walked, marched, danced, pirouetted and some (in wheelchairs) rode, in their thousands along Panama’s Cinta Costera on Sunday, October 24.

Pink and blue umbrellas and balloons

But this time it was not to demonstrate or protest against something, but FOR a cause … raising awareness of the pink and blue ribbon campaigns that draw attention to early breast and prostate cancer detection.

Some danced the route from start to finishThe walk started at the Mirimar hotel and was led by Ricardo Martinelli, and First Lady, Marta de Martinelli. Behind them, in a line that took over one and a half hours to pass the Vasco Núñez de Balboa monument. 

Some marched with precision

 

Tthe walkers  stretched from the Mirimar to Casco Viejo, and still they kept comingParticipants twirled sticks or flags, carried pink or white umbrellas, balloons,  musical instruments or banners. And they all carried themselves proudly. It was the biggest parade since the coastal strip opened 13 months ago, and was for once, a scene of harmony.

CHICHEROS' COMPETE

The walk was followed by a race of chicheros, competing for three prizes , of a new tricycle complete with coolers for drinks and empanadas. Peddlers originated from many Central American countries, but all three winners this year  were Panamanians..{jathumbnail off}