Religion and folklore in Las Tablas

There will be over 25,000 people flocking to Las Tablas this month to celebrate the town's patron saint, Santa Librada. Also they will enjoy the National Pollera Dress Day on July 22. This town is considered the heart of the Azuero Penninsula and Panamanian folklore. There will be lots of celebration, music and dancing.

Followers of Santa Librada will follow the tradition of the "novenas," nine days of mourning in preparation for the big day when the patron saint will be carried out of the chuch. It will be adorned with gold jewelry and a long wig made of locks donated from the faithfuls, and she will lead a magnificent procession through the town in a very extravagant float. It is one of the most unusual religious ceremonies and attracts people from all over the world.

Then there is the Pollera Queen parade. There will be an accordion contest and a traditional hat contest.