Kuna Yala means in the Kuna language "Kuna territory." It is also known as San Blas, a name given to this territory by the Spanish conquistadors and which remains to this day. The region borders on the west with the Province of colon and on the east with Colombia, to the south you find the provinces of Panama and Darien and the 365 islands that make up the archipelago that extends out into the Caribbean Sea.
Most of its population is concentrated in these islands. By the mid 19th century they started populating the islands of the archipelago. The continental part of the "comarca" (territory) is mostly uninhabited. They have been able to preserve the biologic diversity of the region and their culture.
For the Kunas the land is the mother of all things. She is the guardian of all that exists and represents the spirit, the strength and the vigor of the Kuna culture. The elders have taught the Kuna people that there are 8 spiritual levels in which they can find themselves: gold, silver, iron and other minerals that maintain Mother Earth. If they allow these minerals to be exploited, their trees will dry up and production will decrease. That it is why it is so important for them to take care of the environment and not abuse it.
The Kuna culture is one of the most studied and their traditions amaze and surprise tourists. One of the most striking practices is the fact that their young do not receive their names until they reach puberty. Until they reach puberty, the Kuna women are called by a nickname. The women wear the beautiful "molas." Molas are considered one of the most sophisticated handicrafts in Latin America. They are made from brilliantly colored cotton textiles. Cuts are made in the clothe making layers which are later sewn. To complement the molas, the women wear brightly colored cloths tied around their waist, in a manner of skirt and a red handkerchief with yellow designs on their heads. They also adorn themselves with necklaces, rings, and bracelets of gold with thich they complete their daily attire. The Kunas wrap their ankles and wrists in bracelets made from bright colored "chaquiras" (beads called winis in the Kuna language).
Their economy centers around the harvest of coconuts which they sell mainly to Colombian ships that sail in the region. Coconuts are traded for clothes, food or accessories such as sunglasses.
Another aspect that catches the attention of tourists is the high incidence of albinism in the Kuna territory. Experts attribute this to the fact that they rearely marry outside their community. Children of the moon, as the albinos are called, are revered and treated as special people.
The "Balboa" is debuting a new look. It was released along with a campaign to educate the public and is valid for all transactions. The dollar and the balboa are both legal tender currencies in Panama. 
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.
t 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.
The majority of the Embera continue to live a traditional lifestyle, but they also welcome visitors. They are not as well known as some Native american groups in Panama as they have traditionally lived in the dee[p rain forest of the eastern Darien province, but that is beginning to change. Parara Puru is a small village of Embera on the Chagres River ab out an hour from Panama City that welcomes tours from the outside.
Normally you will arrive in the village by canoe and are greeted by music and kids. Embera Puru has about 100 inhabitants, 15 or so thatched roof huts, a gigantic "town hall" and a small "guest houe" for visitors. You are allowed to wander around on your own during your visit, you will also hear about their history and culture. Then lunch over an open pit fire which is served in banana leaf "plates." You also enjoy a trip into the jungle to hear about medicinal plants, just the Shaman and what nature provides. Ladies attend basket weaving which they are so famous for.
Kuna Yala means in the Kuna language "Kuna territory." It is also known as San Blas, a name given to this territory by the Spanish conquistadors and which remains to this day. The region borders on the west with the Province of colon and on the east with Colombia, to the south you find the provinces of Panama and Darien and the 365 islands that make up the archipelago that extends out into the Caribbean Sea.