Christmas Shopping in Panama City, Jessica Ramesch

http://internationalliving.com/2010/10/christmas-in-panama-holiday-fun-for-ex...
InternationalLiving.com Panama Correspondent Jessica Ramesch shows us her favorite places to shop for Christmas in Panama City...a quick glimpse of the variety available at some special stores.

If you're from a colder climate, sunshine and beach weather may not scream "holiday season" to you. But over the past five years, I've learned that the Christmas season in Panama can be a truly magical time.

In December, the rainy season is finally over, the sun is shining and everyone seems to be on their way to the beach...but there's no doubt that it's Christmas time. Shops are all decked out by mid-October and the radio stations break out the holiday tunes soon after. Families then add to the holiday feel by dressing up their homes inside and out.

For the huge Catholic population, the biggest feast of the holiday season in Panama is on December 24—or Nochebuena. Typical fare is often a mix of Latin and gringo traditions...turkey and ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and fruitcake may all be on the table.

But the typical table will also include arroz con guandu and tamales. The former is a flavorful, fragrant rice and pigeon peas dish, often infused with fresh coconut, while tamales are soft masses of fresh, sweet corn filled with a savory mixture of chicken, olives and raisins.

Panama is a vast melting pot...and while each of Panama's international communities has its own way of commemorating the holiday season, some traditions are considered universal. If you're spending Christmas in Panama City, ask your new friends to take you to Bethlehem...er, that is, Bethlehem Street. Calle Belem residents take the name seriously, and outdo themselves every year with lights and decorations. In mid-December, it's not uncommon to see caravans of cars in this neighborhood, happy kids ooh-ing and ah-ing at the windows.

Another big pre-Christmas treat is Panama City's Christmas parade, which usually takes place a week or two before Christmas. The elaborate event features beautiful floats, holiday music and throngs of cheerful families. I love watching the school marching bands; everyone looks dapper in red and white costumes and...best of all...bright Panamanian smiles.

After the parade, I come home for a Christmas-y end to the day. Walking into my cozy Panamanian apartment, the scent of my Christmas pine greets me. Hot chocolate, pecan pie, Vince Guaraldi, and pumpkin spice candles remind me of Christmas in Oregon. I usually invite my expat friends over and we revel in the sounds and smells of the season. Enjoying the best of both worlds...a Christmas both local and expat...I feel lucky indeed.

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Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• International Living Panama
• Panama City
• Shopping in Panama City
• Christmas in Panama City
• Jessica Ramesch