Península de Azuero - Panama - page 214

Carnaval RELIGIOUS
Chitré's Carnaval festivities, held each year on the four days before Ash Wednesday, fea-
ture parades, folkloric dancing, water fights and lots of drinking.
Fiesta de San Juan Bautista RELIGIOUS
Chitré's patron saint festival, the Fiesta de San Juan Bautista, held on June 24, starts with
a religious service followed by bullfights (the animals are teased but not harmed), cock-
fights and other popular activities.
Founding of the District of Chitré 1848 HISTORY
Festivities on October 19 celebrate the 1848 founding of Chitré with parades, historical
costumes and much merriment.
Sleeping
If you plan to attend any of the festivals in or around Chitré, you need a reservation -
rates go up on these dates too. For Carnaval, rooms often book up months in advance,
though you can always visit on a day trip.
Hotel Santa Rita HOTEL $
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 996-4610; cnr Calle Manuel Maria Correa & Av Herrera; d with/without air-con US$29/23;
) One of the city's first hotels, Santa Rita is economical but basic. High-ceiling
rooms feel musty around the edges, though bathrooms smell scoured with bleach. Perks
include some private balconies, very friendly attention and cable TV.
Hotel Rex HOTEL $$$
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( 996-4310; Calle Melitón Martín s/n; d/tr US$55/72; ) With a prime location on
Parque Union and good dining downstairs, Rex is a solid midrange choice. Clean tile
rooms have brick walls, cable TV, fresh towels and water thermoses.
Hotel Versalles HOTEL $$$
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( 996-4422; www.hotelversalles.com ; Paseo Enrique Geenzier; d/ste US$50/85; )
Spacious rooms feature comfortable beds and tile floors, and the onsite restaurant and bar
is good for an evening meal and a nightcap. The high price tag is mostly justified with
the swimming pool, ideal for those hot Azuero days. There's also onsite car rental.