Panama´s National Theatre was literally born with the Republic. The need to build it was at the first Gacetas Oficiales in 1903 - 1904 along with main stuff like a Presidential Palace and public bathrooms. It was the heart of social life and culture. Today, we celebrate its 100 year anniversary with a bit of history and wonderful events in August and October.

We received a flash note from Quintessentially announcing the next "Silent Auction" of Fundacion San Felipe. This year, it will be held at the Marriott hotel, and all proceeds will go to their various programs ranging from art to photography for kids.

The best of the Casco Viejo and the French Expats gathered yesterday to celebrate France´s most important holiday. The party was at Plaza Francia (of course!). Check out photos of the celebration, along with historic photos as far as 1923 of other celebrations, including the inauguration itself of Plaza de Francia.

It isn´t summer, but somehow Casco Viejo hasn´t slowed down too much regarding cultural events. August 8th will have a special presentation of a German Jazz Duet where all profits will go to social work in Darien. July still gets a Contemporary Dance Encounter and an Art Auction from the Museum of Contemporary Art at Casa Cor. Learn when and who to contact here!

This is not "body painting", claims the artist Ramon Almanza. Throughout my work I always ended up representing the female form and at some point I thought, it would be great to transfer my vision directly to a female body! Today, at Casa Gongora, his art show will feature...

Flash news! new music festival. This one blending art and fashion. Also, don´t forget to visit the Central America Photo Bienale at Las Bovedas.

Passionate, skillful and thoughful. Samantha, our Casco Viejo female surf champion fired up in Cambutal last weekend at Cambutal and took home a very good prize. She has become a national pride and a local roll model.

Often your best memories of places where you have been are actually from people you have met. In Casco Antiguo we are lucky to still have with us "antique" residents that are very much part of the different textures of this neighborhood. Miss Daisy is one of them...

I had a literature teacher that used to say: taking out the obvious great masters, at the end of the day, the line between art and non art these days is very fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There used to be a clear difference between folk, handcraft and art. Today, it is all fusion, pieces dancing from one concept to the other, depending on the latest critic review. However, she said, don´t be ashamed if you feel confused. Think about this: if YOU enjoy it, it is art to you. And if the artist brings love to its work, then it is in it´s purest form.

Sometimes the world´s problems overwhealm you: politicians are doing their best to make your life worst, news of contamination, low education in the new generations, Dooms Day. But sometimes we are reminded that we do have the power to change things around. We actually excersice that power every day... That is one of the many things I like about Casco Viejo. Small projects have a huge impact... check this out and get inspired.

A wonderful vacation on Europe gave me a refreshing view of what life and lifestyle is in the old continent. There is so much to learn! Starting to get my thoughts organized...

A wonderful vacation on Europe gave me a refreshing view of what life and lifestyle is in the old continent. There is so much to learn! Starting to get my thoughts organized...

There are advantages to living in Casco Viejo when a major event is being held there...

As many times as I have walked the Calles of Casco Antiguo, the un-restored buildings in their dilapidated condition are endlessly fascinating...

All over Panama City, the one thing that is rarely missing on the streets where there is parking is a bien cuidao...

At the foot of Casco Viejo is a beautiful pocket park called "Baluarte de las Mojas"

This might be Friday the Thirteenth, but it not to worry, there is far too much excitement in Casco Viejo...

One of these days, the headline in La Prensa might read, “Tram Service in Casco Antiguo Returns”.

For those of you who might like to keep up with Panama news ...

When Patrizia and Casey planned their recent wedding ceremony...

Most buildings are transformed in Casco Antiguo after two or more years...

The advantage of living in Casco Viejo is the variety of small shops within a couple of blocks of my home in Casco Viejo.

Casco Viejo, the jewel of Panama is also a UNESCO Heritage Trust site.

Last Friday Casco Viejo´s “usual suspects” gathered around the fire (Lorelei´s Super Gourmet)and enjoyed some of Argentina´s best wines, all for under $10!

It almost sounds like the title of an experimental movie! but well, I had so many little pictures and happenings this weekend and upcoming week I couldn´t just "cluster" them in a theme. First, of course, the tomatoes...

Meditating about what has value and what doesn´t is a profound activity, almost zen-like. It has to do with the fundamentals of the property, but on a bigger picture even that is subdued to one and only factor: what makes a human happy.

Just another day in my office and suddenly... tarataraaaraaa.... carnival music and people singing: the classic signs of a religious procesion in Casco Viejo. I know most people feel a serious ceremony should be more appropiate, but so far I haven´t seen any procession here that is not filled with music, ballons and flowers.

Calendar of events in Casco Viejo, Panama

I was walking by Plaza Herrera, and pum!

Organized by Enrique King, this festival will gather artists from United States, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico.

Apparently there was a "Women´s Day" last week. At the same time I wonder if there is a "Man´s Day" at some point other than Father´s Day, since there is ceirtainly a "Children´s Day" (at least in Panama) on top of other holidays. The good part of actually getting a day named with a theme (other than selling more of the corresponding merchandise) is that some people actually takes the time to think seriously about it and create true awareness about the issue.

Since the release of our community bulleting we are getting information from vecinos of events and activities, so I´ll be posting them here as well. This promises to be a great show, not too often we get to have opera in town, so don´t miss it this March 15th!

All I actually knew about the pedestrian mall on Avenida Central was "Don´t take anything valuable there!". So I avoided going. I´m ashamed, embarrassed, and am making amends. The day I visited...

Last Tuesday was the first Panama Edition of Slideluck Postshow Panama. For those who didn´t read my prior posting, this event had a great concept: basically everyone could show up with something cooked by themselves to share with others while a super art slideshow played at Arco Chato

Attention surfers! we actually have a surf wave in Casco. Only for the most adventurous ones... not for the faint of heart...

Events Calendar... updated! International Festival of Performance Arts coming soon...

There is something special about every season, but summer in Casco Viejo is without a doubt the most fun. Starting with the jazz fest and following with all small and big cultural events. Sunny days, wonderful ambiance... Don´t get jealous...come down and join us!