By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterNEVER BEFORE have I heard my national anthem played by guitar and violins, until Monday night at the Hilton Hotel. The occasion; Panama celebrated its National Day. The soothing, acoustic sounds were simply stunning and set the stage for a fine evening.
Diplomats, political figures and business personalities turned out to celebrate with the country most famous for its canal but which offered so much more. The group 'Las brisas de Ancon' danced and chanted, the women colourfully garbed in the national costume, la pollera.
But apart from them, more than once a chorus (accompanied by clapping) arose from the guests led by Ecuadorian consul Clelia Hunter and Panamanian-born Simon Clarke, among others.
FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE
A real festive atmosphere. At one point, it broke out into a full choir; three rows of individuals all singing the beautiful language we call Spanish!
Anything other than Panamanian cuisine would have been downright unacceptable. Arroz con pollo was my favourite and the plantains were delicious! A huge birthday cake and some devilishly sweet treats rounded off a delectable evening; literally and otherwise.
Earlier on Monday, wreaths were laid at the monument in Heores' Circle for the Jamaicans who helped to build Panama's canal.
