Carnaval in the Canal Zone
Recently, we came across a collection of photos from Balboa in February 1958 as Carnaval (also spelled Carnival) celebrations were underway. Carnaval is still one of the most anticipated holidays in Panama and other parts of Central and South America. The festival lasts for about four days before Ash Wednesday, allowing attendees to indulge in foods and activities that are forbidden during the Lenten season.
In these photos, Governor William E. Potter interacts with Balboa citizens.
From Don Randel, regarding the photo above: “Photo is of a rehearsal for the Carnival Tuesday parade in Panama City, in which we played on a float, which required a generator to produce 60 cycle 110 volt current for the organ. We played strictly Panamanian music–tamboritos, etc.”
At the 2018 Panama Canal Society Reunion in Orlando from June 27 – July 1, 2018, there will be an exhibit about popular culture in the Panama Canal Zone on display. We hope to see you there!
Did you ever participate in Carnaval celebrations? What was unique about celebrating Carnaval in the Canal Zone?
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7 Comments
Robert Raymond Dixon gordon
Back in the former canal zone times, I remember playing music on a float with a group of soldiers from Fort Clayton, during the carnival main parade.
ufpcmcollection
Thank you for sharing this memory!
Chale Rodgers
In 1967 I was one of the two “Edecáns” (aide-de-camp, aide or personal assistants), the other one was the Queen’s boyfriend, of the Panama Canal Zone, Queen Lucy I. The giant figurine seen in the last photo was called “Domitila”. The band playing Lucho Azcarraga´s panamanian music, is a mystery to me since I have played with Lucho, Frank Pretto and Tito Mouynes from 1963 until today (in the Panama Canal Society reunions), and don’t recall seeing or hearing ver this group. Unfortunately it seems that you are not allowed to include photos in this reply.
ufpcmcollection
Thank you for sharing these details with us! If you would like to share photos, please contact John Nemmers at jnemmers@ufl.edu.
Mimi Stratford Collins
“It was the best of times” 🙂 I was a sophomore at BHS the year of these photos <3
J Scott
Carnival!!!! Man dressed in a montuno & playing the maracas is an Azcarraga’s (Frank or Chippi – both BHS grads), whose father was Lucho, famous for playing what became iconic Isthmian music on the organ. Governor William Potter one of the most gregarious and popular governors, was fondly referred to by Zonians as ‘flashbulb Willie,’ reflected in the innumerable photos (including his dancing at Carnival, served circa 1955-1958)!
ufpcmcollection
Thank you for sharing these details with us!