Las Tablas Carnival, Panama

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What is the Carnival of Las Tablas?

The Carnival of Las Tablas is one of the most anticipated carnival celebrations in the entire country, which attracts thousands of the nation’s residents as well as hundreds of foreigners every year. This celebration is the eternal rivalry that occurs between Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, both locations in the town.

Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo are sisters in the Tablas during the normal days of the year; however, during carnivals they are the eternal carnival rivals. During carnivals, each sector has its own “tuna”; that is, a group that supports its queen, which prepares a large series of festive elements to outdo the other tuna. The Carnivals in Las Tablas revolve around this rivalry that intensifies much more when February arrives.

 

 

The carnival days are marked by a wonderful competition between the tunas comprising music, dancing, floats and fireworks. In addition, every year there is a great water, shaving cream and blue dye war from which no one escapes. While the carnival of Las Tablas is a competition of 4 full days between reinas and tunas, it is definitely one of the best celebrations of its kind in the whole country.

We invite you to be part of these exciting celebrations characterized by an ingenious rivalry between both sectors of the locality.

 

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When is the Carnival of Las Tablas?

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The Carnival in Las Tablas, Panama, does not have a fixed date, but it takes as reference the Christian Lent. Carnivals are held before Ash Wednesday, occupying 4 days in total for their celebrations, so they are usually held between the month of February and the month of March.

 

 

History of the Carnivals of Las Tablas

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The Carnivals in Las Tablas, Panama, have religious origins brought by the Spanish colonizers. These religious traditions have been present in the locality for approximately 200 years. Within the sector of Las Tablas, the celebration of two different patron saints’ days, which take place on different dates, was disputed. Due to the religious nature of the settlers, these differences caused disputes, each one defending their own beliefs, so that, on the days of the religious festivities, each sector took their image to walk through the streets of the town. In this way, the “Tunas” were created. Since then, the town was divided between “Calle Arriba” and “Calle Abajo“.

The simple challenge between religious images began to intensify, gaining more and more a kind of rivalry as the years went by. The rivalry between both sectors was such that the religious authorities had to intervene to avoid a conflict. Because the authorities considered this activity as profane, it was decided to move the rivalry to before Lent, coinciding with the carnivals.

By the 1930s, Calle Ariba decided to form a society for the first time to carry out the logistics and organization of the carnivals. Thus, they began to choose queens for the carnivals. When the custom was formalized, the modality of Culeco, also known as mojadera, an activity that consists of throwing water to all participants, was also established. Calle Abajo followed in the footsteps of Calle Arriba and began to elect its own Carnival queen, thus beginning the true rivalry of both sectors.

Today, the rivalry between both tunas or sectors is notable, since the carnival festivities consist of parades every day, in which each sector arranges its queen on a big float. The villagers of the opposing sector dedicate themselves to praise their queen, while discouraging the opposing queen. In this way, equally satirical songs and tunes are performed. Carnival Queens must have thick skin, as they usually touch on topics that could be a bit hurtful to the family or to the queen directly.

 

Where is the Las Tablas Carnival

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Carnivals are held in Las Tablas, capital of the province Los Santos, Panama, Central America.

 

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How is the Carnival of Las Tablas celebrated?

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The Carnival of Las Tablas is about the great rivalry between the two sectors of the town. Each sector has its own tuna, a group of people who fervently defend each of their queens. The purpose of each tuna is that ofputting out the efforts of the opposing side. In this way, it begins to perform different actions to achieve its goal, employing music, fireworks, large floats and other elements.

 

Tonadas

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During carnivals, each tuna performs a traditional musical composition made up of vocal and instrumental parts. The theme of each of these pieces varies; however, some offenses towards the opposing side can be identified in their lyrics. Generally, the songs make some mockery and satirical comments towards certain personalities of the opposing tuna generally towards the queen, but they can also be directed towards the geographical sector in general.

Carriages

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Floats are among the indispensable elements in carnivals. Each one has floats for the queens to parade, dance and dance and dance on them. These floats enjoy an incredible decoration and parade through the streets very slowly. During their journey, the streets are animated with music or the well-known tonadas, which carry somewhat satirical and mildly offensive messages, seeking to discourage the opposing queen.

The parades during the day allow you to see in detail the incredible dresses of the queens and how detailed are the carriages, completely covered with elegant designs, glitter, feathers and impressive sculptures. During the night, the ceremony is much more spectacular, as a majestic fireworks show is performed, illuminating the entire firmament while people celebrate as if there were no tomorrow.

 

Culecos

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Also known as mojaderas, one of the actions that take place within the carnivals. The culecos have two objectives, one of them is to refresh the people who are in the streets during the parades, since during the carnival the temperatures are very high, causing an almost unbearable heat wave. Its other purpose is to have fun, each person can bring their own water gun and join in the fun. Dozens of people throw water with hoses from platforms drenching everyone on the streets. In addition, people bring along small cavas tostore beer and cool offduring the day.

During the Culecos also play with foam and have some inflatable balls for people to play with each other during the rest sessions.

 

Tips for going to the Carnivals of Las Tablas

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If you decide to attend the Las Tablas Carnival, we recommend planning your trip in advance, making an itinerary of activities and booking your preferred lodging in advance. Also, be sure to pack comfortable and light clothing so you can fully enjoy your carnival.

During carnival days, bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting wet or stained during the culecos. Remember that you can also play with foam. You can bring your own cava or cooler for your beer and of course, a water gun.

 

Events at Carnaval de Las Tablas

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Friday, February 12

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This is the first day of carnival. During this day the coronations of the Carnival Queens take place, both from Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo. Each of the sectors chooses the queens that will represent them. In addition, each of the sectors has its own tuna toencourage its queen and discourage the queen of the opposite street.

The crowning of the carnival queen is also accompanied by some musical performances and popular dances.

 

Saturday, February 13

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Morning and Afternoon

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During the morning there is a carnival parade through the streets of the main square. Each of the floats with the queens of the 2 sides go through the streets very slowly. As they pass through the streets, thepeople sing some satirical tune, shout some comments, party in the streets or simply discourage or encourage the queen of their preference. During the whole day there are several musicians in a truck that cheer up the whole ceremony and offer to the public the musical pieces so that they can make their cheers or satirical comments.

Likewise, in simulatelo the culecos, which serve the function of keeping the audience refreshed and entertained.

 

 

Evening and Night

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During the afternoon and evening hours, the parade occurs in a similar fashion, but changing some factors. The Columbians are no longer present, because the temperatures during the night are much lower, but in their place are thefireworks. Every night there is a great fireworks show that beautifies and illuminates the city in each explosion.

The festivities continue into the evenings, with floats touring the square and bands cheering on the participants. Participation during the night is much greater, as this is when the party really reaches its peak. At the end of the day, each bando heads to your barracks to continue the party and to fine tune the last details for the next day.

 

 

Sunday, February 14

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Morning and Afternoon

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During the morning and early afternoon hours, the same theme as the previous day takes place. The queens go parading on their floats around the plaza while being both cheered and discouraged by their audience. Bands entertain the masses with catchy songs and people take the opportunity to throw cheers or snarky comments. The culecos and mojaderas make an appearance as well.

 

Evening and Night

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As on the previous night, the parranda is once again ignited with big musical pieces, dances and fireworks. The queens once again walk the streets around the park or the main square while the imposingcarriages and dresses parade. As they pass by, people shout or sing cheers for their favorite queen.

 

Monday, February 15

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Morning and Afternoon

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Once again, the queens walk through the town’s central plaza accompanied by the bands and the huge crowds of people. The mojaderas and culecos return to refresh and animate the people.

 

Evening and Night

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The fireworks and the bochinche return again to the streets of the city. The queens once again walk around the main square as they are encouraged or discouraged. Once the day is over, the bands return to their barracks to continue partying and fine-tune details for the next day.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:.

 

Tuesday, February 16

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Morning and Afternoon

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This is the last lap of the floats with the queens. For the last time the route around the square is made in the company of the musical band. The Culecos refresh for the last time the participants, who sing and dance with great emotion. The bands animate for the last time the streets of the town and the people sing, dance and cheer with great emotion. Thefireworks embellish the sky again, but with much more force and animosity.

 

Topon

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The topon is one of the most awaited events. The queens get off their floats and walk through the streets for a face-to-face confrontation. The queens begin to mock each other, pointing out certain physical flaws or event. In addition, they may perform acts such as bragging, throwing bills or any other action they find amusing or provocative.

 

 

Las Tablas Carnival Parades

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Parades occur every day, both night and day. Each day features adifferent float or with some alterations in its theme. In addition, the dresses of the queens change according to the theme or alterations submitted.

During the day, the bands walk the streets alongside the queens to cheer with the spectators, who in turn cheer, sing or cheer the queens. The mojaderas make an appearance in the streets to refresh and entertain the participants of the carnivals. All this takes place in a festive and joyful atmosphere.

During the night the parade happens in a similar way. The queens walk through the streets accompanied by the residents, who are cheered on by the bands. However, this time there is no wetting, but a large number of fireworks that illuminate the sky. Once the day is over, the bands head back to their headquarters to continue the party or fine tune details for the next day.

 

Parade route

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The parades take place around the main square of Las Tablas. The floats make the route at an incredibly slow pace so that people have the opportunity to make their comments, cheers or jeers. Throughout the route, the queens join in with messages or simply dance.

 

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What to eat at the Carnival of Las Tablas[/h2>?

Although Las Tablas is a small town, during carnivals it becomes a big party that hosts thousands of people from all parts of the country and sister countries. The region has a lot of delicious dishes that you can try during the carnival vacations.

One of the distinctive dishes of the region is the sancocho. It is a soup based on chicken broth, herbs and tubers. The soup is prepared for several hours to develop its distinctive flavor. Sancocho is served hot and is accompanied by both white rice and tajadas (fried sweet plantains).

Another of the most characteristic dishes of the region is the bollo de maíz nuevo. It is one of the classics of the national food and is made with a dough made with ground corn that is then wrapped in the leaves of the cob. The dish can be accompanied with some presado cheese and a black coffee. Some of the buns may contain some chicken, meat or pork.

In addition, Las Tablas offers you some places where you can go out to eat and try some typical local dishes. Some of the most famous places are: La Maestra – Hamburguesas Caseras, Dolce & Saladito, Casa 21, Restaurante La Molienda and Los Faroles.

 

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Travel Insurance

 

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurances. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Las Tablas Carnival

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You can be an active part of the carnivals, walking the streets with the locals. During the parades you will have the opportunity toparty like the locals of Las Tablas do, with good music, cheers and comments made by the queens. During the day you will be able tobe part of the dunkings so culecos. In addition, you can also play with water pistols or drink and eat whatever you want.

During the night the parties are even more special. You will have the opportunity towalk the streets as well, but this time you will have the chance to see a large number of fireworks that light up the skies. The bands and music also enliven the entire celebration.

On the last day of the celebration, you can watch the confrontation of the queens, who will come face to face for the first time at the carnivals. Each of the queens is ready to make comments and criticisms towards the other. In addition, you can tear up tickets, dance or perform any action they find amusing or provocative.

If you do not want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

 

What to see and do outside of Las Tablas Carnivals

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Las Tablas has a few tourist attractions that you can visit during the carnival festivities.

 

Santa Librada Church

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It is one of the main churches of the town. Its structure is of colonial type and inside you can find a lot of images, wooden beams and amazing altars beautifully decorated.

 

Belisario Porras Park

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It is a park to hang out and meet with friends and family. It is generally a quiet area. There are some trees around it, it has some commemorative plaques, statues and is surrounded by stores.

 

Las Comadres Beach

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It is one of the beaches of the town. It has some rocks in some areas, so you should avoid them. However, it has some flat areas of area where you can go in or just hang out with some friends and tasty food. Plus, you can also watch the sunset if you decide to extend your visit into the evening.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend you to book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

 

Safety at the Carnival of Las Tablas

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Las Tablas is a relatively safe area, so you should have no problems visiting during carnivals. We recommend that you always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings in a safe place, especially when surrounded by large crowds.

If you are able to identify any unusual activity, do not hesitate to contact the local authorities. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:

 

 

Weather at the Carnival of Las Tablas

 

During the carnival festivities, Las Tablas has a somewhat hot climate, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 33 degrees Celsius. We recommend you bring light clothing, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen whenever your skin needs it.

 

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How to get to Las Tablas Carnival

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to Las Tablas is the Capitan Alonso Valderrama Airport, which receives flights mainly from the capital of Panama. If you want to go to Las Tablas, we recommend flying from Panama City to the Capitán Alonso Valderrama Airport and then use the means of transportation to the center of Las Tablas.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport port you can take a car and use the Avenida Dr Belisario Porras. The drive is about 35 minutes.

If you decide to take a cab, the taxi fare ranges from US$7 to US$9.

 

Where to stay in Las Tablas Carnival

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Lodging in Las Tablas is somewhat scarce, so we recommend some options in the town and its surroundings.

 

Booking.com

 

Hotel Presidente Las Tablas

5-star hotel 150 meters from the center of Las Tablas. Rooms have air conditioning, television and private bathroom. The hotel has continental breakfast, swimming pool, bar and wifi.

 

Uverito Beach House

House located 11 kilometers from the center of Las Tablas. House of 92 square meters with barbecue area, TV, equipped kitchen and private bathroom. The house has parking and free wifi.

 

Hostal Don Amable

Hostel 450 meters from the center of Las Tablas. The hostel has free wifi and family rooms.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.

 

Thank you for reading

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