31 Oct 2018 | 08:24 AM UTC
Panama: Separation Day celebrations November 3-4 /update 1
Panama City to host Separation Day parades and events November 3-4; heightened security measures and significant transportation disruptions
Event
Panama City will host parades on Saturday, November 3, and Sunday, November 4, to commemorate Separation Day and the National Day of Symbols. On November 3, the parade will begin at 09:30 (local time) at Simón Bolívar park and end at Cinta Costera 3. Later in the day, bands will march from the old Bennigan’s restaurant to the administrative office of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) starting at 14:30. The parade on November 4 will begin at 08:00 near the Presidency of the Republic and travel down the Cinta Costera.
According to the Ministry of Security, fences and crowd control barriers will be in place along the parade routes. An increased security presence is to be expected in the city during the holidays. Significant transportation disruptions are also anticipated due to the crowded conditions and road closures. On Monday, October 29, the MiBus company announced that Metrobus services will make detours along the Panama Viejo, Corredor Sur, Juan Díaz, Tocumen, and Pedregal routes on November 3-4.
Context
Separation Day marks the anniversary of Panama’s secession from Colombia in 1903.
Advice
Individuals in Panama City are advised to expect crowded conditions, allow additional time to travel, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.