November in Panama is known as the month of patriotism because there are many holidays this month - a couple of independence days, flag day, and more.
For this month's celebration, our pastor set up a patriotic day for our church. It involved everyone who could dressing in traditional garb. The kids sang a song about the flag after the service. They loved waving their flags around!
Everyone who wanted to was encourage to sing or say poetry about Panama, so even the pastor participated!
This little guy was too cute running around waving his flag. He also liked using it like a sword with the other kids. Ha!
A few months ago, a lady in the church gifted me a Ngobe dress that did not fit her. They're called Naguas. The pastor's wife and I took a photo together in our dresses - hers is a traditional Panamanian dress. The colors are always so bright and cheerful!
This girlie did a great job of singing a traditional song.
There were many people in attendance at church today. Typically on days when food is served, we have more people at the service.
They asked everyone who was dressed for the occasion to go to the front for a picture. Not everyone went up, but you can tell that there were many of us who were wearing traditional clothes today.
Even this little baby was wearing the cutest little outfit! She was not happy to be away from her mama, but it made the picture that much more adorable!
Of course we had a cake that everyone got to enjoy! Happy month of the country!
They also asked everyone to bring some food to share with others after the service. The people who got their plates first ended up with a lot of food! Some of the food got used up quicker than the rest, so people toward the end mostly had potatoes and chicken and ride.
These same ladies always serve up the plates and do a good job. Where I would have a buffet line where everyone gets what they want, they know that wouldn't work with all the little kids, so they serve everyone an equal portion of each dish. It works out and everyone enjoys the time! It was a fun celebration with the church people.