The Azuero Peninsula and Veraguas Places

Las Tablas

Though it has fewer than 9,000 inhabitants, Las Tablas is the main commercial center for the southern Azuero Peninsula. Its Carnaval celebrations and its annual Festival de la Pollera (July 21-23) are famous throughout Panama. The latter features folk music, dancing, and the election of a pollera-wearing queen. Though it was founded in the late 17th century, Las Tablas has few historic monuments.

Carnaval transforms the normally quiet town of Las Tablas into a wild and colorful place for several days. Locals spend the better part of the year preparing for the four days of competitive events. The town is divided into the Calle Arriba (Upper Street) and Calle Abajo (Lower Street), and each elects its own queen and organizes competing parades. Adding to the festivities are strolling bands called murgas, folk-dance performances, fireworks, and water trucks that douse overheated revelers by day. Hotel prices double during Carnaval; reserve at least a month in advance.

Las Tablas at a Glance

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