Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eating
2
Ederra
C3
3
Mercado Público
B2
Shopping
Festivals & Events
Carnaval
RELIGIOUS
Held during the four days preceding Ash Wednesday, Carnaval is a huge happening in
Penonomé. In addition to traditional festivities, which include dancing, masks and cos-
tumes and a queen's coronation, floats here are literally floated down a tributary of the
Río Zaratí. The plaza and every street for three blocks around it are packed with people.
Patron Saint Festival
FESTIVAL
A big crowd pleaser, this festival is generally held on December 8 and 9 (or the follow-
ing Saturday if both these dates fall on weekdays). Following a special mass, Catholics
carry a statue of the saint through the streets. Yet the mass and procession seem incident-
al to the celebration taking place outside the church for two days.
PANAMA HATS
A panama hat, or simply a panama, is a traditional brimmed hat made from palm
(Carludovica palmata). Although originally from Ecuador, the hat became fashion-
able during the construction of the canal, when thousands were imported for use
by the workers. After American president Theodore Roosevelt donned a panama
during his historic visit to the canal, their iconic status was sealed.
Unlike their Ecuadorian counterparts, which are woven from crown to brim in
one piece, this kind is made by a braiding process, using a half-inch braid of palm
fiber. The finished braid is wound around a wooden form and sewn together at the
edges, producing a round-crowned, black-striped hat. It's a common sight in the
