By Margot Thomas

THE LONG STANDING relationship between Panama and France, stretching back to Ferdinand De Lesseps’ attempt to build a canal, and still marked by buildings in Casco Viejo,   will, get another fillip this week when the French Embassy and the Alliance Francaise launch the first edition of “  Vive La France to mark the celebration of the French national holiday, Bastille  Day, Tuesday July 14.

The fall of the Bastille prison in 1789 marked the beginning of the French revolution, a turning point in the history of France, and, as the cry Liberte, Egalite Fraternite spread, a turning point in the history of the world.

The celebration in Panama will be spread over five days in the new showpiece Soho Mall with daily events bringing French culture,  film, cuisine and wines to the city. The principal activities will

An exhibition of paintings by French artist Victor Tricar will be on display throughout the five days.

On Tuesday visitors will be able to taste the delights of the new store Ladurée from  10 am to 8pm.

In the evening, those lucky enough to receive an invitation  will have the opportunity to sample  French wine.

On Thursday evening, from six to nine,    you are invited to celebrate a “Night in Monmarte” with French  accordionist Marion Sila and, as Monmarte without an artist  ready to sketch your image, is like bread without butter, a cartoonist will be standing by.

There will be an invitation-only   sampling of cognacs on Friday evening.

On  Saturday  July 18, there will be two free Matinée performances  of French films at 10  and 11,30 am at the Soho VIP Cinepolis .