Institutional and student groups and bands gathered around the steps of Panama’s  Cultural Institute (INAC) in Plaza de Francia in Casco Viejo at 5 am on  Thursday, August 15  to start day long festivities to mark the 500th anniversary of the founding of Panama. the first city built by the Spanish on the shores of the Pacific.

Later the celebrations moved to Panama La Vieja, the original site of the city until it was burned to thwart its capture by Brirish buccaneer  Henry Morgan,  and the bands and marching groups paraded in the rain in the area of the old city, an event  organized by the  Communal Board of in Parque Lefevre.

The flag bearer was former boxing legend Roberto “Hands of Stone ” Durán.

In the evening  14 performing groups gave a concert at the Roberto Duran stadium.