The 'mejorana’ is a small five-stringed Panamanian festival guitar and is the focal point of the event. The Festival itself embodies the celebration of the town's patron—the Virgin of Las Mercedes, that's why it is usually celebrated around September 24.
The annual traditional festival takes place in the town of Guararé, situated between Chitre and Las Tablas. Every September, Guararé streets gather people dressed in national costumes, called the Montuno for men and the Pollera for women. Musical performances, dances, singing, bullfights, ox cart parade, and many other folk performances and competitions take place. The air is filled with genuine Panamanian spirit, which makes tourists feel closer to the unique culture of this great country.
Ox Cart Parade
The highlight of the National Mejorana Festival is the ox cart parade. This is a traditional procession that showcases the customs of Panama’s countryside. It's notable for exciting regional music and the beauty of local women who are vibrantly dressed in national attire, known as pollera. Their ruffled dresses are embroidered with colorful stitching, while several matching pom-poms adorn the front and back of the dress. The head accessory draws in all the attention of the spectators—called tembleque, it is made out of dozens of beads and intricate details. The men mostly wear white or cream-colored shirts and pintao hats.
The carts are also richly decorated with leaves and flowers, serving as a perfect setting for the participants. Some locals get even more creative and construct entire sculptures right on top of the cart. The procession doubles as a light-hearted competition where the judges determine the best cart.
La Corrida De Toros or Bull Run
Another significant event of Festival de la Mejorana is the bull run, an intense spectacle, which draws in locals and tourists to the bleachers of the improvised bullring. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, where usually there is only one or a few people at a stand-off with a bull, a dozen men come out to challenge themselves. Their goal is to overpower the bull and avoid its attacks. This match keeps the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Other Attractions
Throughout the whole run of the festival, you'll have a chance to witness numerous cultural performances, including national dances and songs. Each year, the city of Guararé also chooses a new festival Queen, whose attire and beauty especially impressed the crowds.
The National Mejorana Festival is recognized among Panama‘s most outstanding folkloric celebrations, definitely not to be missed if you visit. You won't find a better place to spend your weekend in September. Just make sure to book early, as hotels in the area fill up these days.
