Panamania - going crazy over the Pan Am Games 2015

Saturday was a little light on the roads and around the downtown core. I think people are already avoiding Toronto because of all the warnings to keep vehicles away during the competition. One place that was busy was down on Queen's Quay at all major water transportation hubs leading to the Islands - line ups like crazy.

Line ups for the water taxi stretch around the block

That's right, if you are going to stay in the city, go as far as you can away from the city, while still staying in the city - meet the Toronto Islands.

Further around the core were lots of police and the yellow banner/fences of the Pan Am Village and the over 30 competition locations. Signs indicating the facilities had three code letters, things like DHA (Debt will be Higher than Anticipated - only when the games are over, then they will be surprised), NOH (No One is Here - that's right hotel rooms, unless you are fully booked with Pan Am VIPs, to bad for you), KOL (Keep Out of our Lane, sucker) and the really big sign; ISTOWMM (I Swear The Olympics Will Make Money - because you know they are going to spend $30 million to do an Olympics bid, and spend billions more if they get it (PS it will also be over budget).

Putting up scaffolding ahead of the celebration at City Hall

From the Games website "It’s important to remember these things when planning your trip to the Games: Think public transit! Service will match the Games schedule to help you get to and from events. All Games event tickets will provide same-day access to public transit. Accessible transit and/or limited accessible parking options for all Games venues will be available. Please visit the venue pages for more information — venue specific links are provided below. Be active! Along with public transit, cycling and walking are great ways to get to the Games venues. Leave the vehicle at home! We need to reduce traffic on roadways in the Greater Toronto Area during the Games. Parking will also be limited or unavailable at most venues. Be sustainable! Reduce traffic by using transit and/or active modes of transportation and share in the legacy of a more sustainable transportation network in Ontario."

PANAMANIA is the art and culture festival designed to complement the games experience, featuring performances and exhibitions, many free, taking place in Nathan Phillips Square, CIBC Pan Am Park and the Distillery District from July 10 to August 15. Almost thirty works have been commissioned and will see their world premier at more than 20 locations. "PANAMANIA will showcase the diverse cultures and artistic excellence of Ontario, Canada and the Americas through music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion."

The 3D TORONTO sign

There will be free, nightly celebrations presented by the CIBC at Nathan Phillips Square from July 11-25 and August 8-12 during the Parapan Am Games. Celebrating victory with medal-winning athletes after their medal presentations. "The Victory Celebrations present the pageantry of an official ceremony with the energy of an outdoor party to kick off the night’s headline entertainment. Cheer for the athletes of the day as they take the stage to greet fans and receive official gifts from VIP presenters. Inspiring video recaps of the day’s competitions and a salute to the moments of victory in all of our lives will round out this special event."

Check out the entertainment after the jump.

At Nathan Phillips Square with more than 130 musical acts appearing on three stages. Nightly Victory Celebrations and fireworks:
Death From Above 1979 - July 12
Marianas Trench - July 15
Flaming Lips - July 19
Calle 13 - July 25
Chromeo - August 7
The Roots - August 8
Jann Arden- August 11
Austra - August 12
and much more!

At CIBC Pan Am Park, where art meets sport. Free and open to the public from July 11-25.
"Two stages with live music and roaming performances in the heart of the Games’ largest sport cluster. Experience the ultimate street party!"
USS - July 11
A Tribe Called Red - July 12
Radio Radio - July 13
Colin James - July 17
Keisza - July 18
ChocQuibTown - July 19
Lights - July 20
Stars - July 22
and much more!

And in the Distillery District, free and open to the public, from July 11-25, except for Mondays.
"Enjoy an immersive experience strolling the cobblestone lanes while taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Americas. Also, a multitude of PANAMANIA ticketed events at The Young Centre for the Performing Arts."
Basia Bulat - July 11
The Afro-Cuban All Stars - July 16
Eva Avila - July 17
Ron Davis’ Symphronica with the Lombard Twins - July 19
Chocquibtown - July 20
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque - July 23
Lady Son - July 24
The Hot Sardines - July 25

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