Panama's elaborate Carnival on the Cinta Costera around the Panama Bay and in the provincial town of Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula is more than gay friendly. It is an unofficial but showy celebration of gay pride. Gays get credit for the over-the-top costumes, floats and makeup that are second only to Rio. Drag queens provide glitzy entertainment on stage, on floats and at official ceremonies. The huge, non-stop party gets going the Friday before Ash Wednesday with the activities culminating in New Orleans-style parades on Strove Tuesday.