The Bridge of the Americas in Panama City, Panama

The Bridge of the Americas connects two continents, North and South America, divided during the construction of the Panama Canal. This vehicular bridge is located on the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. The bridge was designed by Svedrup & Parcel & Associates, Inc. and built by John F. Beasly and Company between 1959 and 1962 at a cost of $ 20 million. Once it was inaugurated on October 12, 1962, the bridge became an important part of the Panamerican Highway. The bridge is a cantilever arch design with 1655 m long. Thanks to that,  it has an impressive and attractive aspect.

The bridge is located on the Balboa district and to get there is to take a taxi cab. The trip from downtown takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic flow.

The best view from land can be obtained from the Amador Causeway, especially from the Balboa Yacht Club. The reason is because the view from here can be accompanied by a glass of wine or beer, which undoubtedly enhances the experience. On the west side of the bridge is a small balcony which offers a good overview in general. 

Three Kings Day in Panama

Three Kings Day in Panama

On January 6th, in the East is only held the Epiphany or Theophany that is to say the manifestations of Christ (birth, adoration of the Magi, Baptism)
The adoration of the Magi is the name traditionally given to the Christian subject in the Nativity of Jesus in art in which the three Magi, represented as kings, especially in the West, having found Jesus by following a star.

In the West the only celebration was the day of  birth on December 25th. Over the years, the West adopted the Epiphany and the East adopted Christmas. According to the popular tradition, three wise men commonly known as: Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, kings of the East, perhaps from Arabia, came to bring gifts to Jesus born in Bethlehem. His relics were discovered by St. Helena and now worship in “La Catedral de Colonia”, where the bishop gave it to the emperor in the year 1164.
 
Some experts believe that what influenced this decision was the Saturnalia Roman festivals (a  pagan holiday) ranging from 17th to 23rd of December and reached a great importance during the Empire when Domitian  lengthened the celebration to reach those seven days. Slaves enjoyed those days of freedom.

To determined the number of wise men, only three of its provenance were profiled in the High Middle Ages. The black king appeared in the (15th) fifteenth century.

At the present time, there are three dates in the Christian tradition in which gifts are given to children. In Spain children took off their shoes or boots in the balcony for the Kings to leave their gifts there. In Belgium, Holland and France is held on December 6th, day of Saint Nicholas, who in Belgium walks on top of  a donkey. In other Western countries is  Santa Claus or St. Nicholas  the distributor on December 24th. Moreover, in the North European children count on gnomes, who are creatures from Scandinavian mythology. And in the Eastern world is St. Basil, the one to bring gifts on January 1st.

It is customary on the Three Kings Day in Panama to give children toys in memory of the Magi.
Also in Panama it is customary weeks before the arrival of Christmas for children to write letters to the Magi about how they have behaved over the years and what gifts they will like to receive on January 6th.