Panama City Carnival 2012

Thousands of people are expected at the Panama City Carnival 2012 to be held in Cinta Costera.

$2.5 million were designated to the carnival’s organizing committee, after Panamanian government gave its approval, with just a moth and 14 days way from these festivities.

Salomón Shamah, Minister of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP, Spanish), stated that an influx of 150,000 people is expected in the Cinta Costera for this year. Therefore, security will be as equal as last year’s

The official said that the carnestolendas (three carnival days before Shrovetide or Ash-Wednesday) will not be carried out this year, as there will be a Carnival board composed of 10 people, including the Havana Carnival Queen 2011, Yinella Yero. He also stated, without providing more details, that there will also be a committee responsible for hiring national artists only. However, he wrapped up by stating that all the general information will soon be disclosed at a press conference, including the announcement of the Havana Carnival Queen 2012.

Shamah said that the Carnival 2011cost $1,953,750 USD, of which approximately $46,000 were left over and will be used to repair the damages that will be caused to the Cinta Costera during five days of festivities.