Since 1982 and falling on the longest day of the year -the day of the summer solstice- French Embassies, Cultural Centers and Alliances Françaises the world over have put together a musical experience as open and diverse as you can get.
In my little city, music took over the old quarter with representations of many genres. Access for cars to the Casco Antiguo was closed to give way to waves of hurried feet, old feet, skipping feet all going in different directions, all to claim their music. On a deeper level, handing that sense of ownership to everyone who found themselves in the city was the beauty of it. No obstacle course, no artifice, no deception at the end of the road. No freaking VIP sections.
Cienfue playing, raspa'os selling
Our friend David stepping in during Maleza's performanceAt the end of the night there were tumbling feet, tired feet, drunken feet. Near midnight, after nearly 12 hours of music, everyone was still thirsty for more. And so, with the salsa stage closing the event in one corner, and a dance party hitting it off at the next, the Fête de la Musique came to an end for the second year in Panama. I must say I'm impressed by the seamless organization. If you missed it this year, do count the days till the next.
