Parade of a Thousand Polleras

The Parade of a Thousand Polleras is one of Panama's most impressive cultural events, held every second Saturday of January in Las Tablas, Los Santos province. This unique parade brings together over 1,000 women of all ages and from every corner of the country wearing formal polleras — each an artisanal treasure hand-embroidered with colored threads that can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. Participants complement their polleras with elaborate gold jewelry sets: tembleques of pearls and crystals adorning the hair, hair combs, flat chains, earrings, and mosquetas that sparkle in the sun. Men accompany in traditional montuno outfits. The event includes típica music performances with accordion, caja drum, and churuca, folk dances such as tamborito and el punto, and an atmosphere of pride and celebration of Azuero identity that moves even international visitors.