The Fair of the Sea is next month

Bocas bay front.

The largest fair of Panama’s Caribbean coast, Feria del Mar, will take place September 13-18 on Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro.

The fair is different from all other country fairs in Panama in that it takes place when most of the country is in the rainy season (except Bocas) and due to the cultural mix of the region, which exhibits a strong, Afro-Caribbean influence, Native American traditions and a growing expat population from North America, Europe and South America.

Feria del Mar, which translates as "Fair of the Sea", offers lots of tropical dancing parties, folklore performances, water sports (Bocas is a maritime region), concerts and games.

View of Punta Caracol Acqua-lodge, Bocas del Toro.

There are two main ways of getting to Bocas from Panama City. You can enjoy the hour-long flight to Isla Colón departing from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, in Albrook, or travel overland. Bocas is Panama's most remote territory. An overland trip to the province takes between 10-12 hours, taking accross the Bridge of the Americas (or Centennial Bridge) though the central provinces via the Pan-American Highway and up the chilly mountains of the Continental Divide. In Changuinola, you can take a water taxi to Isla Colón, where lodging is offered in a growing number of hotels, some of which are owned by U.S and European expats. The mountain road leading to Bocas is approximately 404 km. West of Panama City. An overnight bus service to the province departs from Gran Terminal de Transporte, in Albrook.