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Diplomado en Patrimonio Cultural


Mejorana Festival


[A group of children dances at the Mejorana Festival.]

A group of children dances at the Mejorana Festival.


[Another group of dancers participates at the children's contest.]

Another group of dancers participates at the children's contest.


[The Mejorana Palace, seen here, is the stage of many of the events of the festival]

The Mejorana Palace, seen here, is the stage of many of the events of the festival


[This is one of the contestants of the children's accordion contest.]

This is one of the contestants of the children's accordion contest.


[Virgin of the Mercedes, Patron Saint of Guarare]

Virgin of the Mercedes, Patron Saint of Guarare


[Flute and drum are associated with the bullfights (in Panama, we do not harm nor kill the bull or cow).]

Flute and drum are associated with the bullfights (in Panama, we do not harm nor kill the bull or cow).


[A bullfighting ring is build every year around the bulls' square at Guarare.]

A bullfighting ring is build every year around the bulls' square at Guarare.


[Local firefighters help to water the mud that will be used for the traditional mud-throwing at the bullfighting ring.]

Local firefighters help to water the mud that will be used for the traditional mud-throwing at the bullfighting ring.


[At the same time, there are tamboritos at the surrounding streets of the town.]

At the same time, there are tamboritos at the surrounding streets of the town.


[A view of the Drum Contest at the Palace of the Mejorana]

A view of the Drum Contest at the Palace of the Mejorana


[A tuna moves around the central square.]

A tuna moves around the central square.


[Every year a medal is given to a Panamanian man or woman who has greatly contributed to the research and protection of our folklore.]

Every year a medal is given to a Panamanian man or woman who has greatly contributed to the research and protection of our folklore.


[The Gelo Cordoba Accordion Contest is one of the main attractions of the festival.]

The Gelo Cordoba Accordion Contest is one of the main attractions of the festival.


[The Panamanian Government partially funds the yearly organization of the festival.]

The Panamanian Government partially funds the yearly organization of the festival.


[The winner of the accordion contests performs again for the audience.]

The winner of the accordion contests performs again for the audience.


[Back in the square, we can see more folklore performances thru the night.]

Back in the square, we can see more folklore performances thru the night.


By:

Tamara Ponce
2009-10-08

The Mejorana Festival is the brainchild of Dr. Manuel Fernando Zarate, a Panamanian scientist who, during the mid-20th Century, made huge contributions to the systematic study of our folklore. He was joined by his wife, Mrs. Dora Perez de Zarate.

The festival has been celebrated yearly since 1949. It takes place in the town of Guarare, around September 24th. This date is taken as a reference because it is the day of the Patron Saint of Guarare, the Virgin of the Mercedes. The festival and the religious celebrations take place simultaneously and complement each other.

Among the events held during the festival, we can mention many contests such as decima (sang and written), accordion playing (children's and adult's), drum playing (children's and adult's), traditional attire (male and female) and many other contests.

The Mejorana Festival not only celebrates the culture of Guarare and Los Santos Province. It also serves as a meeting place for groups from all over Panama, so during the festival, it is common to see dances from all over Panama,right there at Guarare.

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