Good idea – good to follow!
Getting help simply and without complication – “How do I get to Panama?” helps those who feel unsafe in any given situation at a festival. Europe’s largest festival organiser FKP Scorpio has worked on ideas to make the festival experience at the open-air festivals Hurricane, Southside, Highfield, M’era Luna, Chiemsee Summer, A Summer’s Tale and Deichbrand even safer. Anybody noticing something odd, or feeling awkward in a situation can ask “How do I get to Panama?”.
“When we, as event organisers, heard about this concept which originated in England, we were immediately convinced by its clear logic and effectiveness,” says Head of Marketing, Katja Wittenstein. “We are aware that a festival is lots of fun, but it can also be quite a sensory overload. There are people everywhere and it’s loud, it’s bustling, it’s colourful… Noticing something strange or an encounter with someone else can sometimes be perceived differently, and both men and women can feel hassled or harassed.”

That’s where “Panama” comes in. Often, the sensation “I feel threatened or unsafe” cannot be clearly defined, or you don’t feel like telling a stranger that you’ve just been bullied or molested. The question ““How do I get to Panama?” is a low-threshold aid, without having to explain oneself.
At the festivals, the event organisers try to utilise their infrastructure as best as possible to ensure that the nearest shelter is close at hand. All of the bars, security staff, festival jobbers and of course the police and paramedics are involved in the project. All those who are familiar with “How do I get to Panama?” wear a green and purple wristband with the Panama logo on it.

They will react to “How do I get to Panama?” without asking any questions or making any comments, and will offer to take the person(s) seeking help to a protected environment.
“Panama is aimed at making the festival experience even safer. It is irrelevant to us whether women or men are requesting assistance. On site we can then offer those seeking help psychological or medical support, and we can involve the police upon request.” says Festival Manager Jasper Barendregt, explaining the specific help available on site.
“Ideally, the question will never have to be asked, but if it is, then people will be safe in Panama!”