Independence Day!

November 3rd is not really Independence Day in Panama.  It's called Separation Day, the day that Panama separated from Colombia.  Their Independence Day is November 28th, when they got independence from Spain, but were still part of Colombia.  So there are two days to celebrate this month.  Actually, there are more, but we won't go into that.

On November 3rd, many women dress up in their polleras, typical skirts.  Here are a few examples.

Heather got her pollera made just in time!

The school had a parade along the main (and only) street of Chepo.

Afterwards, we visited one of our neighbors, where we saw how ingenious kids can play tug-of-war without a rope.

I think the girls won this one!

After the tug-of-war, it was time to peel some oranges.  Notice how the smallest girl gets the biggest knife.  She's in first grade.  It may seem like a lot of knife for a first grader, but keep in mind that the 10 and 11 year-olds are using machetes.

Here's Heather holding the youngest of the group.  What a head of hair on this one-year-old!

That's it for now,
Steve and Heather