Snow cones!

In Panama these are called "raspaos." As you walk around Casco Viejo or drive through any place in the country you will eventually see one of these guys, usually under a shade tree in one of the plazas. But you can also spot them moving down the sidewalks along the road, beaches or anywhere in the city. They make snow cones the old fashioned way - from a big block of ise they purchased at the start of the day.

A traditional Panamanian one means any flavor topped with cream! Usually sell for 35 cents - what a bargain!

National Folkloric Festival of La Mejorana

The National Festival of La Mejorana is held this year between 22-25 September. In 1949 Manuel Zarate, with a group of friends from his hometown, Guarare, initiated a tradition that has become the most renouned festival in all of Panama. Today, 60 years later, it continues to promote Panamanian folklore and keeps protecting traditional customs that are an integral part of the provinces in Panama. Together with the Patron Saint Festival of the Virgin of Las Mercedes, the Guararenos, the people of Guarare organize each year an event that gather in this little town in the Azuero Peninsula folkloric groups with the common objective of enjoying, spreading and preserving the Panamanian culture. Musical dances, singing, bullfight, oxcart parade and other expressions and competitions take place during the festival. The "mejorana" is the type of guitar that is used for this type of music (see in poster on left) Also please note that this is this year's queen of that festival.