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 that makes tourists closer to the unique culture of this great country.
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. The accent is regional music and the beauty of local women who are finely dressed in national dresses named pollera.
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.
