Las Tablas: Polleras, Drums, and History

In the southeast of the Azuero Peninsula, the District of Las Tablas lies on a plain. Its cultural identity is reflected in the making of traditional polleras, the art of drumming, and festivals that highlight local customs. The history of Belisario Porras is also present here. If you are looking for culture and folklore on your trip, Las Tablas offers a range of distinct themes: historic houses and collections, crafts, religious traditions, and major festivals.

History and Crafts

The Museo Belisario Porras opened on January 15, 1959, on the former family property. It belonged to the maternal grandparents of Belisario Porras, who was born there. The collection includes diplomas, photographs, awards, and personal belongings of the Panamanian statesman. This places personal mementos alongside his public career.

Another part of the area's history is connected with Casa Museo El Pausílipo: the country house belonged to Belisario Porras. He served as president of the Republic three times. The house is located on Vía Las Comadres in the District of Las Tablas and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century rural architecture in Panama. It was declared a National Historic Monument by Law No. 7 of May 19, 1994.

Specialized crafts are also part of the area's cultural identity. The district has gold- and silversmithing workshops; in the Corregimiento of La Palma, silversmiths are admired for their artistic renown. In Las Tablas, the district capital, and in the Corregimiento of San José, craftspeople make traditional drums from deer hide and wood. Residents also maintain the local tradition of making polleras. Those interested in clothing, materials, and crafts will find several distinct ways to explore the district's culture.

Festivals and Religious Traditions

Devotion to Santa Librada has shaped local religious traditions for more than three centuries. Iglesia Santa Librada was built in the 18th century and completed on March 9, 1789. The Festival Nacional de la Pollera is also linked to this religious tradition: it has been held in Las Tablas since 1957 as part of the patron saint festivities in honor of Santa Librada. The festival was held annually on July 22 from 1957 onward; in 2020, it was held virtually due to the pandemic.

Carnaval Tableño is celebrated in the city of Las Tablas and is considered one of Panama's most representative carnival celebrations. It takes place over the four days before Ash Wednesday and attracts thousands of people. At its heart is the historic rivalry between the Tunas Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo. The festivities include Culecos, parades, nighttime performances, and artistic shows on the district's main street. During the traditional Topón at Parque Porras, the two Tunas come together: Calle Abajo enters via Punta Fogón, while Calle Arriba enters via Calle Bolívar.

Another celebration is the Festival Nacional del Tambor y la Pollera de San José de Las Tablas, held in late November in the Corregimiento of San José. The law stipulates that it be organized annually as a folklore festival to honor pollera making and the playing and beating of the drum. One celebration featured competitions in drumming, violin, and accordion, performances by folklore groups, and musical events. The various festivals therefore emphasize different things: one focuses on rivalry and parades, another on pollera craftsmanship and music.

Las Tablas as a Starting Point

Road connections also help you find your way around the area when planning a trip. The main road network connects Las Tablas with La Villa de Los Santos and Chitré; from there, the National Highway continues to Panama. A north–south connection runs from Las Tablas along a mountain road and a coastal road via Pedasí to Tonosí, ultimately connecting to the road to Tonosí. When choosing a vacation rental, you can therefore consider which road connection is relevant to your trip, as well as your cultural interests. This lets you tailor your stay to your priorities without treating the different places and cultural offerings as interchangeable.

For the broader travel overview: Los Santos.