Folk Festivals in The Azuero Peninsula and Veraguas

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January

The first days of January are marked by the Reyes Magos celebration in Macaracas, southwest of Chitré. Patron saint days: Ocú, January 17-20; Guararé, January 21; La Enea (just north of Las Tablas), January 30.

February

Las Trancas, between Las Tablas and Pedasí, is known for its Festival de la Candelaria, a religious celebration with folk music and dance on February 2. Las Tablas is famous for its Carnaval festivities, but Chitré, Parita, Ocú, La Villa de Los Santos, and Pedasí also have notable celebrations.

March and April

Rum-producing Pesé, southwest of Chitré, celebrates the Festival de la Caña (Sugar Cane Festival) in March (dates vary). Semana Santa is especially picturesque in La Villa de Los Santos, Pesé, and La Arena. The country-fair-like Feria de Azuero is held the last week in April in La Villa Los Santos. Patron saint days: San José (south of Las Tablas), March 19.

May and June

Corpus Christi, which falls in May or June, is celebrated in La Villa de Los Santos with dances by los diablitos (the little devils). The Festival de Manito, a major folk music and dance event, is held in Ocú the last week of June. Patron saint days: Chitré, June 24; La Arena, June 29; Monagrillo (just north of Chitré), June 30.

July and August

Las Tablas's Festival de la Pollera, July 21-23, features folk music, dancing, parades, and women in embroidered dresses. Parita celebrates its foundation day on August 18. Las Minas comes alive at the end of August for the Festival de la Flor del Espiritu Santo. Patron saint days: Las Tablas, July 20; Guararé, July 16; Parita, July 26-August 8; Tonosí, August 18.

September and October

The founding of Macaracas, a small town southwest of Chitré, is fêted on September 12. The folk-music Festival de la Mejorana takes place the third weekend of September. La Villa de Los Santos, La Arena, and other towns celebrate Semanas del Campesino during various weeks from August to October.

November and December

The founding of Chitré is celebrated on October 19. La Villa de Los Santos celebrates El Primer Grito de la Independencia with folk music and dance on November 10. Patron saint days: Pedasí, November 25; Las Minas, December 4.