Pick pocketed
The concert had just ended and the street was still packed with people throwing confetti on each other and engaging in water fights.
We decided to go east down Via Espania and got about 200 metres of the main stage when the three of us were attacked.
These weren't very subtle pick pocketers. There were half a dozen hands trying to feel there way into my pockets. I managed to hold off most the hands in my front pockets and shout, as did, I believe, the other two. They backed off, and I managed to shoot one with my water gun. This made the crowd around me laugh, which makes me think the whole crowd of them were affiliated.
I didn't go 3 meters more before I was attacked again. This time I pushed through the crowd running and shouting.
I was carrying nothing of value with me (a water gun and $5 cash) as I heard this kind of thing often happens at Carnaval. They got nothing from us.
We then told the police, who said they knew they were in there but could do nothing, because every time they go in, nothing happens that they can arrest anyone for. In other words, they don't want to be bothered to do anything.
The next night the guy I was with got pick pocketed. The thief managed to steal and almost empty bag of confetti, but my friend managed to kick him several times in the but as he ran away.
Other than that, Carnaval was a whole lot of fun. I've never been to one before, and the one here in Panama City is not supposed to be the best, but it was a pretty good musical confetti/water fight dancathon, and it lasted for 4 days.
More from dave here