The third Sunday of July is “Child’s Day” in Panama. In Spanish it’s called, “El Día del Niño”. It’s a big day in the calendar for the Panamanian family. On this day, parents take their kids out to the parks and engage in all kinds of children’s games.
El Día del Niño is heavily promoted by the Panamanian Government in an effort to keep the spirit of the nuclear family alive. It’s like a mini Christmas in our country. All our parks are flooded with children of all ages, doing what they like best—play!
My wife’s grandnephews were invited to stay with us during this special day. Abdiel and Karol a.k.a. “Titi” received their children’s presents as is the custom in Panama. Abdel received a large bag of marbles and a gun that shoots arrows. Titi received a large box of multi-colored clay.
There’s nothing that beats the scene of innocent children playing. They are so creative, that they will make a game out of anything. In this case, they were crowning my wife to be a queen with little red flowers.
This is how my wife was crowned by her grandnephews yesterday afternoon. Here we go.
Abdiel and Titi are playing that my wife is a queen and the red flowers are part of her crown. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
Titi is engaged in the coronation of the queen, while Abdiel is busy gathering red flowers for the crown. My wife patiently plays along. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
Notice how my wife's hair has been "sprayed" with red flowers symbolizing a royal crown. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
My wife and her two beloved grandnephews pose for the camera. (Credit: Omar Upegui R.)
Activities like this enhances family values which are slowing fading away in our country. We must keep the institution of the family alive. Good Day.
Great story…thanks Omar.
I love those happy faces! Very thoughtful of you and the kids to celebrate Child´s Day that way.
Hello Michael and AS:
When you see children playing, that’s the closest scene you can get of angels.
Children are so delicate and innocent they rob your heart. It was a nice day for all of us.
Thank you for dropping by.
Omar.-
The children and your wife look so happy and relaxed enjoying the special day. But when I was growing up, I don’t remember ever celebrating Child’s Day the third Sunday of July. I remember celebrating Student’s Day in school. My memory must be fading away. It sounds like Christmas in July with presents all. But, I like the idea because it promotes family values and unity. I miss Sunday afternoons in my parents or grandparents backyard with relatives just talking and having a good time.
Hi La Chiricana:
Presently we have both, Student’s Day and Child’s Day. Both are dedicated to building as you said, family and citizen’s values.
In our days, the nuclear family is almost extinct with both parents working leaving their children with their grandfathers, maids or neighbors.
Strengthening ties between family members is a must nowadays.
Thank you for your comments,
Omar.-
dear aura & omar,
viva la famillia!
thank you
ellen
ps so lovely.
Hi Ellen:
On behalf of Aura and myself, thank you for your encouragement.
God Bless,
Omar & Aura
thank you sooooooooooooooo much you helped me finish my project with my friend
i love kids day its so cool