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Patriotism on parade

photos by Eric Jackson

November 3 marks Panama4s independence from Colombia in 1903 and November 4 marks the adoption of the country's Acta de Independencia (written by Carlos A. Mendoza) and the unfurling of the new Panamanian flag. The holidays will continue with the November 10 celebration of the Grito de Los Santos, the first call for independence from Spain, and the 28th, when Panama declared itself independent from Spain, an act that was quickly followed by fusion with Simon Bolivar's Gran Colombia.

In the capital there were two parade routes, for two days of processions. These photos were taken on the first day's parades along Via España, in which public and private schools marched. The Bombero Band and other popular attractions went through the Casco Viejo to Plaza Cinco de Mayo on the same day.