Teachers' Day Parade

Saturday, December 1st was Teachers' Day, a nation-wide acknowledgment of the hard work teachers and professors put in to educating the youth of Panama. Or maybe it's simply another excuse to have a coronation, a parade, and a huge party.

A professor from my middle/high school was chosen to represent our zone. She wanted me to be her escort. They dressed me up in ropa típica and included me in the festivities.

Each princess had a float, on top of which she danced and waved to the crowd. Behind and around the float was her group of supporters, who threw candy to the observers.

Here is the professor with her adorable six year-old daughter.

They lent me the hat, a sombrero pintado, traditional clothing, and a small bag known as a chácara. The sandals are called cutarras. I stood in front of the car pulling the float and waved the flag.

The parade started at the cathedral in the heart of town and ended at the Escuela Normal, the university where they train teachers and professors. Each princess entered with her escorts. Then, her group of supporters entered and danced around the gym where the announcement of the winner took place.

A few little girls (and women, too...let's be real) ran into the street and asked to take pictures with me. I had dozens of people point and stare at me because, for some reason, I stood out. There must be a huge, invisible sign on my forehead that says, "I'M AMERICAN!" But anyway, it was a lot of fun. I felt like a celebrity.