Panamanian folklore has a great richness and varies from region to region. Panamanian folklore has Hispanic, African and indigenous elements. The typical wardrobe, the food, the music and the dances are a representation of Panamanian folklore. There are many foreigners that visit different places to see the roots of this country and to buy Panamanian souvenirs. In Panama there are fairs during the entire year as well as artistic shows with the distinctive dances of each province.

Religious Celebrations, part of Panamanian Folklore

Panamanian folklore is distinguished in the central provinces of Panama (Cocle, Herrera and Los Santos), since for centuries it transmitted catholic religious ideas, expressed through the different parties, patron saints day, and religious celebrations for example the processions during Holy Week, as well as the acts regarding the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

All these religious festivities form part of Panamanian Folklore. Tourist can go to any of the churches in the provinces. For example: Nata a district in the province of Cocle has the oldest church of the American Continent. Meanwhile in Villa de Los Santos they celebrate Corpus Cristi with all its splendor where pagan dances participate, "mojigangas", "parrampanes", among others. Currently this celebration is considered worthy of admiration.

Panamanian Folklore in craftworks

The maximum expression of folkloric and craftwork traditions are expressed in these provinces. Among the craftwork the confection of sombreros, ceramics, woodcarvings, leather objects, baskets, articles of vegetable fibers, and the Pollera – typical dress of Panama. Panamanian folklore has great brightness during the celebration of the Carnivals where dances are carried out during four consecutive days, as well as parade floats, mockery and happiness.

Gastronomy also forms part of Panamanian folklore where we mainly see homemade desserts made in these provinces such as: "huevitos de leche" – milk eggs, soft caramel like candies; "suspiros" – light cookies made of flour; "cabanga" – soft dessert made of grated papaya and molasses; "cocada"- hard candy like dessert made of grated coconut and molasses; meringue, "queques" or "quequis" – spicy cookie like dessert; "manjar blanco" – soft caramel like dessert; among others. As well as the delicious corn "bolos", tamales, "sancocho" (typical chicken soup), and many more.

Dances also form part of Panamanian folklore, there are many dances of which only 11 are still practiced: "La Montezuma Española", "La Montezuma Cabezona", "La Danza del Gran Diablo", "La Danza del Torito", "La Danza de los Diablicos Sucios", "El Zaracunde" or "Cuenecues", "Los Cucas", "Los Indios" , "Danza de Qitipies", "La Pajarilla", "Danza de los Moros y Cristianos". There are also several typical musical compositions with dances such as "el tamborito" , "la denesa" , and "el punto", among others where the Pollera and the Montuno stand out.

The Villa of Los Santos is the place that possesses the most folkloric elements keeping the peoples traditions and customs alive. visit the web site www.interpanama.com for more details.