Diablos Rojos

The Diablo rojos (‘red devils”) are a public transport system around Panama City . My short videos here do them little justice, and I will endeavor to get a better photograph of the detail that goes into their graffitied décor. My first night in Panama I saw a string of about eight of them, neon blue light underneath and various day-glo insignia along the hood and sides. My first impression was that this must be some sort of raving caravan. However, when the next day when I noticed them again, and everywhere, I formed my second impression—that this must be the public transport system of the ninth rim of Hell. However after kind of settling in, I appreciate the originality that goes into them, and the curious juxtaposition of various trademarked characters—from Yosemite Sam and Wolverine to the Cool Aid Pitcher and Sonic the Hedgehog—with religious symbols, including Jesus, Mary, and the Archangel Gabriel. I have yet to ride in any of them.