There are lots of Things to do
January - Ocu International Fair or the San Sebastian Fair. This fair is held in mid January in Ocu, located in the province of Herrera.
February/March – Carnival. The Azuero is notably the most authentic Carnival in Panama. People come from all over the country come to participate.
It is tied to Easter, so the dates change every year, it is best to check a calendar to be sure if you plan on attending.
March/April – Semana Santa Festival. This is a beautiful festival that is held in both Los Santos and Guarare.
April – The Azuero International Fair. This fair is held in mid April and is primarily agricultural in orientation. It reminds us of a very large county fair in the United States. Lots of fun for everyone!
June – Corpus Cristi Festival. This is the famous Devil Mask festival and is held in Los Santos. Absolutely a must for any devil mask admirer!
July – Santa Librada, Festival de la Pollera. Mid July is when these festivals are held in Las Tablas. The Festival de la Pollera is a national festival with many competitions for music, dance, and dress.
September – Patron saint Festival of the Virgin of Mercedes, Festival National de la Mejorana which is a national folkloric festival. Many different groups from around the country compete and enjoy promoting local Azuero traditional folklore. This festival is usually held at the end of September.
November – The “Cry of Independence” or Grito de la Villa Festivals happen in November after the first one in Los Santos, which starts the rest off in the other small towns on the Azuero. Later in the month, in the pueblo of Pedasi, the Santa Catalina Festival happens, as well as the Carterra Festival with the running of bulls in the town square. The Santa Catalina festival is beautiful and it is steeped in tradition. During the evening ceremony, almost the entire townspeople parade through downtown holding candles and singing hymns. The statue of Santa Catalina is pulled by a bull during the procession. Absolutely awesome to see!
December – There are many small festivals throughout the Azuero peninsula during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday seasons.