CULTURE

AN INCESSANT CULTURE

The Azuero peninsula is known as the cradle of folklore due to its traditions and celebrations, which include several of Panama’s most recognized religious festivities. Carnivals such as Las Tablas, La Villa and Chitré congregate thousands of national and international visitors every year.

The religious component mixes to attract many devotees who come to these regions at times like Holy Week.

People have called this region of Panama home for over 4,500 years and Spanish colonist arrived in the 16th century. Since the district of Pedasi was formed in 1840, the land here has primarily been used for cattle farming and the cultivation of sorghum, corn, cantaloupe, and watermelon while the coastal villages support a boutique fishing industry.

The people of this region are generally regarded as easy-going and friendly. Carnival is the biggest event of the year when women wear their “polleras” and compete in pageants while men wear their “cuttarras” and hats.

Photos courtesy of Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá

People have called this region of Panama home for over 4,500 years and Spanish colonist arrived in the 16th century. Since the district of Pedasi was formed in 1840, the land here has primarily been used for cattle farming and the cultivation of sorghum, corn, cantaloupe, and watermelon while the coastal villages support a boutique fishing industry. The people of this region are generally regarded as easy-going and friendly. Carnival is the biggest event of the year when women wear their “polleras” and compete in pageants while men wear their “cuttarras” and hats.

OUTSTANDING TRADITIONS OF THE AREA AS THE CRADLE OF PANAMANIAN FOLKLORE

January – San Sebastian Festivities: Ocu
February – Carnival: Las Tablas and Los Santos
April – Easter: The whole region
April & May – Azuero International Fair: La Villa de Los Santos
June – Corpus Cristi: La Villa de Los Santos
June – San Juan Bautista Festivities: Chitre
July – Festival of La Pollera and Santa Librada Festivities: Las Tablas
August – Festival of Manito: Ocu

Spanish colonization introduced popular arts that are an essential part of national folklore and can be appreciated at these fairs, religious celebrations and carnivals.