Two words: grace and splendor.

Despite the hot, humid weather of a mid-June afternoon, hundreds of Panamanian women proudly wore their Polleras –hand-made works of art the cost of which runs into the thousands of dollars-- for the annual "One Thousand Pollera Parade”. Held along Calle 50, this year's parade turned out to be a tribute to all of the cultures of Panama, from the Native American influences of the province of Veraguas and Chiriquí to the African traditions of Bocas del Toro, Colón and Darién.

The parade is an annual event organized by the Panama Tourist Bureau (IPAT).

Our Indian heritage.

The African element.

The continuation of tradition.

Corpus Christi in Panama is a combination of Spanish, African and Native American elements.

If you haven't been to La Villa de Los Santos yet, this is the time to go. The color of the Corpus Christi celebrations will become more intense before the climax of the event on June 24–an entire day of activities dedicated to visitors.

Part of the deeply-rooted religious traditions brought to Panama by the Spanish conquistadores, the Isthmian version of Corpus Christi is a mixture of Hispanic, Native American and African traditions, best exemplified in the "Diablico Sucios" –odd-looking costumes representing the forces of darkness who struggle with the Archangels for the body of Christ.

In La Villa, Corpus Christi is a two-week-long celebration including religious services and daily folklore performances at the town’s main square, in addition to parades and public dances.

An otherwise sleepy agricultural community, La Villa is the center of a number of major annual festivities, including the Azuero International Fair (April/May.)

Located 255 km. southwest of Panama City, La Villa is a four-hour drive from the capital.