Dedicado a mis estudiantes.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/adb24hufraqk

Once a year, Las Tablas, Panama, puts on one of the world’s best parties. Carnival in Las Tablas is a colorful, extravagant, chaotic, fascinating affair! Let’s see how this small town in Panama has earned its fame as a popular Carnival destination.

In preparation for Easter, Catholics observe forty days of penitence and sacrifice, known as Lent. But before this, they let loose for several days of celebration and excess. Even though Carnival parties happen all over the world, Las Tablas, population 9,000, draws a huge crowd… around 100,000 guests!

One of the reasons Las Tablas is so popular for Carnival is because of the famous rivalry between ”Calle Arriba” and “Calle Abajo”. These two neighborhoods fiercely compete every year to see who can roll out the finest floats, the best bands, the most exquisite costumes, and the most beautiful pageant contestants.

On Friday, the first day of Carnival, thousands of people crush into the streets for the "culecos", where crowds dance to live music and get drenched by “mojaderas”, or water trucks. The weather is so hot that the occasional soaking is a relief!

The Carnival Queen is selected from the contestants, and everyone celebrates. She will reign over the rest of the festivities this year. Brass bands follow her everywhere, along with a group of loyal subjects.

On Saturday, people gather at the coronation ceremony. Once the Carnival Queen has been crowned, she can officially begin the parades. The mojaderas drench the crowds with water as they enjoy the spectacle of floats, costumes, and music. At night, the parties move indoors, and bands play throughout the city.

On Sunday, the parades and festivities continue. The main attraction of the day is the pollera parade, where hundreds of women and girls proudly wear the traditional costume of Panama.