Follow Casco Viejo`s date to date HERE.  Today`s story is about last night`s celebration of Bastille Day. Beautiful photos!

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Casco Viejo

Last Friday we went to one of Diablo Rosso`s art shows in Casco Viejo, which was named using the game of words Diablo (Devil in Spanish):  “A Friend of the Devil is a Friend of Mine”.  The show featured several young artists with some playful pieces and of course the really bizarre ones.  Whether is a movie night (Cena Cine) or one of their shows, it is always great to pass by and be surrounded by young, creative souls.  In Spanish we have a saying “God makes them, the Devil puts them together”!  In Diablo Rosso, this might be particularly true!

Real Estate For Sale, For Rent at Panama`s Historic District

US former President Bill Clinton was seen this past week roaming the streets of Casco Viejo, Panama`s 300 year old colonial city. Under the Panamanian tropical sun, and wearing a “Panama Hat”, orange polo shirt and kaki pants, Clinton enjoyed restaurants and bought handcrafts. He came to Panama to give a conference called “Embracing our common humanity” and during his brief time in our country he visited two sites: the Panama Canal and Casco Antiguo.

Doesn`t that says it all?

Casco Antiguo has become one of the leading tourism attractions of Panama. The second most visited site in Panama City, it stands between the main brands Panama has to offer to compete at an international level for tourism.  The first one being the Panama Canal.

During his speech, Clinton highlighted how today`s world faces tremendous challenges towards the environment, reduction of poverty and economic revitalization.  In Casco Antiguo, an interesting model has been developed in the  last five years where the private sector has invested heavily in social programs at the same time that it has developed the local architecture.  As a result, the historic city has become one of the safest parts of town and has positioned itself not only as the second tourism destination of Panama City but also as Panama`s cultural axis.

While there is still much left to be done,  and much of the work might not become apparent to the visitor (that didn´t know the area before)  the Casco has started to become an example for other communities within Panama and even small towns in countries such as Colombia.

For now, we are just happy Mr. Clinton passed by and enjoyed our neighborhood and hope he twitters a lot of friends about his visit!

Real Estate at Casco Viejo, Panama

New hotel opening doors in Casco Viejo!   Casa del Horno is an Italian owned/run eight suite hotel that takes its name after the historic calicanto stone oven that is located in the building.  Dating from 1886 (or maybe before?) the building has a lot of that charming stone walls and arches feeling that we all love of colonial cities.

Each suite is really like a one or two bedroom apartment. Their pricing goes from $250 to $350 per night.  The restaurant downstairs is still on the works, but hopefully will open in the next few months.  Great wine selection, as the owners are also the owners of the well known Di Vino Enoteca at 5th Street.

Lovely work guys! congratulations!

For more information, contact ph. (507) 212.0052 or info@casadelhorno.net

Real Estate for sale, for rent at Panama`s Historic City

What a week! I`ve been running around like crazy. But somehow, in the middle of the hurricane, I came across this couple who was taking photos for their wedding. An entire entourage around them between photographers and friends (taking care of the dress).  Casco Viejo seems to be irresistible for romance. The beautiful marine landscape, the breeze, the park, the birds and children playing. No noise from traffic, no smog, somehow the city manages to fade out and people can unwind and smile.

Real Estate for sale or for rent at Panama`s historic city

Tropical music, world music and shoe theatre… all in Casco Viejo! Check out upcoming events from our favorite theatre gang (Los Del Patio at 3rd Street) and at the National Theatre:

June 2nd: Tropical Music by Fidel Bastro  (wao! only a “C” away….)

June 16th: World Music, Brazilian inspired.  Violin, Violonelo and more by Lui Coimbra. At the National Theatre. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

July 7th to August 6th:  Theatre play “Shoes” (Zapatos).  Play will be in Spanish.  At Los Del Patio, by experimental theatre group Lagartija. Info. y reservas: 6680-8458 / zapatosteatro@gmail.com

July 26th: at National Theatre: Julio Ingaramo with “Patagonia”. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

August 24th: Boca Livre at National Theatre. Four brazilian voices singing in harmony. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Panama`s Historic City

Walking the streets of Casco Viejo you wouldn´t suspect there is a Freemasonry Lodge in town. The fraternity was founded in Panama in 1821. However, the building we went last night was built in 1925 at what used to be the limits of the Casco Viejo: 13th Street.  I guess back then trying to get farther away would take you into the jungle! Today, you can just walk a couple of minutes and you`ll be there.

A beautiful building and in excellent shape, they opened their doors last night for a small art show depicting their classic masonry symbols.

Intrigued by their history, I found they have an official website where they list briefly how their members had important participation in events such as Panama`s independence and companies such as the Star and Herald newspaper (back then published in French).  Back in 1821 they were called “La Mejor Union” (The Best Union).   It is said that some of Panama`s presidents have been members,  a favorite argument for those who like conspiracy theories!

If you would like to learn more about them, here is their website (written in Spanish).  They also have a Women`s Mason website here.

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Panama`s Historic District

The Saint Malo Music Festival is another wonderful event that has little by little grown into our neighborhood.  This year will be on its 5th edition and is usually held (most of it) at the National Theatre in Casco Viejo, Panama.  Is is dedicated to the Panamanian and musician Narciso Garay and will be held between the 26th of May to June 5th.

Take a look at their calendar. Their inauguration night will be with Panama`s National Orchestra, and the next night there will be a concert “For Two Pianos” (see artists here) .  Don´t miss their events calendar and the artist list.  And remember to buy tickets in advance!!!

The Canal Museum at Casco Viejo always has interesting stuff going on. Yesterday, they inaugurated an exhibition about one of the best known Panamanian musicians of the early Republic:  Narciso Garay.

Born in 1876 (died in 1953) he was the son of a poet and a painter. Almost inevitably, he becomes a violinist. After his studies in Brussels and Paris he returns to Panama. He is known during his professional life as a teacher and an important diplomat,  representing Panama throughout the world.   Unsurprisingly, there is very little written in the internet about him, although I could find in Wikipedia a good page about his sister (Nicolle Garay) who became a well known poet.

Today, Casco Viejo remembers him in one of its buildings which was said to be his house.  Every day there is a story to be uncovered in this 300 year old neighborhood!

Cultural Events, Lifestyle, Real Estate

This week! Casco Viejo has several cultural events to enjoy. Whether you are just visiting Panama for the first time or are living here, don´t miss the small and big events in May:

May 18th (Today!!!)

Karla Lamboglia at Mojitos: 9 p.m., Plaza Herrera

Rescate de Danzas Herencia: Teatro Nacional

Dance Performance at Clementinas:  “Intervencion”(B Avenue, corner with 11th St.) 8 p.m.

Bubble Tasting at Di Vino  (Champagne, Cava and Brut)  7 p.m.

Children`s art workshop at Fundación San Felipe (2:30 p.m.) “Coloring Mandalas”. From 5 years up.

20 Mayo

Dance Performance en La Vecindad: “Intervencion”

Salsa Dance Lessons at Frit Arte

20 – 24 May

Encuentro de Guitarras (Teatro Nacional) – Guitar Festival at National Theatre

Viern / Fri:  Guitarra española / Spanish Guitar

Sab/ Sat: Guitarra Caribeña/ Caribbean

Dom/ Sun: Fiesta de Guitarras/ Guitar`s Fiesta

Lun/ Mon:  Guitarras de USA y Europa

Mar/ Tues: Guitarra Ricardo Cobo (Colombia)