On the Calendar in Panama in Panama

New Year's, Carnaval, and Holy Week are the holidays that have Panamanians flocking to the beaches and mountains, and folk festivals take place nearly every month on the Azuero Peninsula. Check the Panama Tourism Bureau's Web site (www.visitpanama.com) for exact dates.

Dry Season

Jan.

The Panama Jazz Festival brings together international and local artists for a concert series in Panama City's historic Casco Viejo in late January. www.panamajazzfestival.com.

Late Feb.-early Mar.

Carnaval is celebrated throughout Panama, but the most spectacular parades take place in Panama City and Las Tablas, on the Azuero Peninsula.

Mar.

The Festival de la Caña is held in the rum-producing town of Pesé, southwest of Chitré, on the Azuero Peninsula, with folk music, dancing, and heavy drinking during a weekend in early March. 974-4532.

Apr.

The Desfile Mil Polleras takes place in downtown Panama City on the last Sunday in April. It features lots of folk-music floats and women in polleras (embroidered dresses). 526-7000. www.milpolleras.pa.

Wet Season

Late May-Early June

Corpus Christi is a colorful celebration in La Villa de Los Santos and nearby towns, featuring dances by los diablitos (little devils), groups of men in red and black costumes and elaborate papier-mâché masks.

June

The Festival de Manito, one of the country's most important folk festivals, is held in the tiny town of Ocú, in the heart of the Azuero Peninsula, during the last week in June.

July

The Festival de la Pollera is celebrated in the town of Las Tablas, on the Azuero Peninsula, July 20-23, with folk music, dancing, a parade, and plenty of women in polleras.

Aug.

The Fundación de Panama la Vieja celebrates the founding of Panama Viejo with a ceremony and folk dances in the ruins on August 15. 226-8915. www.panamaviejo.org.

Sept.

The Festival Nacional de la Mejorana, held during the third week of September in tiny Gauraré, on the Azuero Peninsula, is dedicated to folk music played on a tiny guitar called la mejorana. www.festivalnacionaldelamejorana.com.

Nov.

The Día de la Independencia celebrates the country's independence from Spain in 1821 with parades and drumming.