Carnaval 2006
All photos copyright 2006 by Bill Baio. All rights reserved.
Carnaval, the last four days before Lent, came and as usual there were various traditions observed in the country.
This scene shows women singing a Tuna in Lajamina. They are accompanied by drums.
There are times that the hypnotic rhythm seems to put the singers in a trance.
The lure of the Tuna cuts across all ethnic backgrounds.
Water is an essential part of the festivities and, as you can see, it starts at an early age.
A Diablo Rojo which is typically used around Panama City has been driven out to Lajamina to ferry passengers back and forth to festivities in one of the two major Carnaval destinations of Las Tablas or Pedasi.
Revelers are on their way to get squirted with water and enjoy Carnaval.
One of the queens of Pedasi passes by on a float.
Everyone gets into the act and gets wet. This float has a band playing on it and two girls swept up in the merriment.
Another of the two queens passes by in Pedasi.
As you can see, water is a very integral part of celebrating Carnaval in Panama.
A few participants take a break in the shade while enjoying a snack from one of the vendors.
Soaked and all smiles.
Mom cleans confetti from her son using her son's water pistol.