Thousands of Catholic faithful filled the streets of Panama City this Saturday for the annual procession honoring Saint John Bosco. The event, held every January 31st, began at the Minor Basilica dedicated to the saint and wound through nearby neighborhoods.
Participants of all ages joined the religious walk, one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the local Catholic calendar. Families, parish groups, and educational communities linked to the saint’s work participated in the afternoon event.
A Tradition of Faith and Community
The procession marks the feast day of Saint John Bosco, the 19th-century Italian priest revered for his dedication to educating and supporting young people. His legacy continues globally through the Salesians, the religious order he founded.
In Panama, this celebration has been a major public display of faith for over fifty years. Organizers estimated a massive turnout this year, with the crowd accompanying the saint’s image with prayers and hymns.
“This procession shows the living faith of our people,” said a local parish priest involved in the event. “It is a tradition that passes from grandparents to grandchildren, uniting the community around the values of education and hope that Don Bosco represents.” [Translated from Spanish]
The event concluded in the evening with the image’s return to the basilica. Closing religious ceremonies were held there with the gathered devotees.
For many, the day is a key family and community event. The procession’s route near the basilica allows broad participation, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of local culture. This public manifestation of faith remains one of the most attended religious activities linked to the figure of juan bosco in the country.
The celebration underscores the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in Panamanian society. It seamlessly blends devotion with a strong sense of community solidarity, a hallmark of the saint’s teachings.