Mother’s Day Chaos; Temporary Suspension of Works on the Main Roads; Safety Recommendations for the Year-end; The Panama City Hall Announces the Date for the Removal of Stickers and License Plates in December.

December 06, 2024 Celebrating Mother’s Day in Panama: A Day of Love, Chaos, and Traffic Mother’s Day in Panama, celebrated every December 8, is a deeply meaningful tradition that honors mothers for their love, dedication, and sacrifices. This cherished holiday is rooted in history, shaped by a unique blend of religious and cultural influences. With this year’s celebration falling on a Sunday, Panamanians will enjoy an added bonus: Monday is a public holiday, giving families more time to celebrate. However, as beautiful as the occasion is, the festivities come with their challenges—particularly the legendary traffic that defines the days leading up to Mother’s Day. Why Panama Celebrates Mother’s Day on December 8 Panama’s observance of Mother’s Day on December 8 has historical and religious significance. In 1924, the Rotary Club of Panama proposed May 11 as Mother’s Day, which was approved by then-President Belisario Porras. However, in 1930, a Catholic women’s guild petitioned the National Assembly to change the date to December 8, aligning it with the feast of the Immaculate Conception—a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a figure representing maternal love and devotion. The petition was accepted through Law 69 of 1930, officially declaring December 8 as the day to honor all Panamanian mothers. The change reflects the country’s strong Catholic traditions, making Mother’s Day not only a family celebration but also a religious observance for many. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Panama 1. A Family Feast Celebrate with a home-cooked meal or treat Mom to her favorite restaurant. Panamanian classics like arroz con pollo, tamales, or sancocho often take center stage on Mother’s Day menus. For those dining out, reservations are essential, as restaurants are guaranteed to be packed. 2. Thoughtful Gifts Gift-giving is an important part of the day. Whether it’s jewelry, flowers, or something homemade, a thoughtful gift speaks volumes. This time of year also coincides with the withdrawal of Christmas savings plans, adding a unique element to the shopping frenzy as families look to splurge on both Mother’s Day and holiday gifts. 3. A Day of Pampering Give Mom a day of relaxation with a trip to the spa or a DIY pampering session at home. A massage, manicure, or simple breakfast in bed can make her feel truly special. 4. Nature and Adventure For families who enjoy the outdoors, Panama offers plenty of options. Take a stroll through the Metropolitan Natural Park, relax at a nearby beach, or explore the scenic beauty of El Valle de Antón. 5. Quiet Family Time Sometimes the best celebration is the simplest one. Spending the day at home, sharing stories, playing games, or watching Mom’s favorite movies can create lasting memories. The Traffic Tangle: What to Expect Before Mother’s Day While Mother’s Day is a heartwarming celebration, it also brings an annual challenge: traffic chaos. This year, the convergence of Mother’s Day, holiday preparations, and financial activities adds to the congestion. 1. Christmas Savings Withdrawals December marks the release of funds from Christmas savings plans, a popular practice in Panama. Thousands of people head to banks and cooperatives to withdraw their year-long savings, flooding malls and stores to buy gifts for both Mother’s Day and Christmas. 2. Holiday Shopping December is already one of the busiest months in Panama. Combining Mother’s Day with holiday preparations creates a perfect storm in commercial districts like Albrook Mall, Multiplaza, and Soho Mall. Long lines, packed parking lots, and crowded streets are inevitable. 3. Family Travel Many families travel to the interior to celebrate with relatives, causing significant delays on highways, especially the Pan-American Highway. Tips for Navigating the Chaos A Celebration Worth the Effort Mother’s Day in Panama is more than just a holiday; it’s a time to reflect on the love, strength, and devotion of mothers. Despite the traffic jams, crowded malls, and logistical headaches, the joy of spending quality time with family makes it all worthwhile. This December 8, as you celebrate the incredible mothers in your life, take a moment to appreciate the deep cultural and religious roots of the holiday. And remember, whether you’re braving the traffic or enjoying a quiet day at home, the love and gratitude you show will mean the world to Mom. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Temporary Suspension of Works on the Main Roads of the Country this Weekend The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT), in collaboration with the National Police’s Traffic Operations Division, has announced an important measure to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Mother’s Day holiday. From 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, until 11:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, all works, activities, and projects that involve the occupation of traffic lanes on the main roads of the country will be temporarily suspended. Main Roads and HighwaysThe suspension will apply to key sections of the Pan-American Highway, specifically from La Espiga in La Chorrera to the Border in Paso Canoas.Similarly, the section from the intersection with the South Corridor to the district of Chepo will be free of interruptions. In addition to these sections of the Pan-American Highway, the measure includes a ban on work on other major roads connecting various regions of the country.The most important roads include:• Dr. Belisario Porras Avenue• Domingo Díaz Avenue• Vía España• Transístmica Avenue• Balboa Avenue• José Agustín Arango Avenue• José María Torrijos Avenue• Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue• Israel Avenue The suspension of works aims to facilitate the movement of citizens during a long weekend, especially during a time when celebrations and travel to other provinces are expected to increase. Furthermore, traffic authorities hope that by clearing the busiest roads of ongoing roadwork, travel times will be reduced and the risks of accidents related to construction projects will be minimized. The ATTT urges drivers to take the necessary precautions during this period, recommending:• Planning long trips in advance, especially to other provinces.• Respecting traffic signals and the instructions of traffic officers in areas of high traffic.• Avoiding peak hours on major avenues and highways. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE These are the Safety Recommendations from the Police for