The diablos rojos (red devils) are the cheerful, colourful buses which can be seen buzzinig around the streets of Panama City.

They started life as American school buses which were bought secondhand, shipped to Panama and soon became mobile canvases for street art.

Also known as Chicken Buses, the artwork on each bus is as unique and reflects the tastes of its owner.

The man hanging out of the bus’ doorway shouting the destinations of the route is known as the pavo—the turkey.

An artist earns around three thousand dollars for painting a whole bus, and the work takes about a month.

The backdoor is the most visible art space and is where the owner makes his most important statement.

The city is in the process of replacing them with modern, air-conditioned Metrobuses which are far more comfortable and efficient.

But as of 2018 diablos rojos are still running in Panama City adding music, fun and colour (and diesel fumes) to city life.

Suzy