Bocas del Toro Province - Panama - page 346

While the rest of Panama is celebrating Labor Day, local girls perform the Palo de Mayo
(Maypole dance). Celebrated May 1.
Día de la Virgen del Carmen RELIGIOUS
Bocatoreños make a pilgrimage to La Gruta, the cave in the middle of the Isla Colón, for
a mass in honor of the Virgen del Carmen on the third Sunday in July.
Feria del Mar FESTIVAL
The 'Fair of the Sea' is held on Playa El Istmito, a few kilometers north of Bocas, from
September 28 to October 2.
Fundación de la Provincia de Bocas del Toro HISTORY
Celebrating the foundation of the province in 1904, this is a day of parades and other
events; it's a big affair, attracting people from all over the province, including the
Panamanian president. November 16.
Sleeping
The town of Bocas is a major tourist draw, though many don't realize there is no town
beach. Water shortage can be a problem, so it's recommended that you take short
showers. Reservations are a good idea between December and April and during national
holidays and local festivals. Discounts may be considerable in low season.
Touts on the street who call themselves guides might try to get you to change your
lodging plans if you're walking around with luggage. They likely are working on com-
mission and their tales (that your hostel is out of business, dirty, etc) shouldn't be trusted.
Hostel Heike HOSTEL $
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 757-9708; www.hostelheike.com ; Calle 3; dm with/without air-con US$12/10, r per person
US$11; ) Awash with colorful murals and natural woods, Heike is the perfect spot
for chilling Caribbean-style. Expertly managed by a friendly Panamanian, it gets rave re-
views. Free basic Spanish classes are given daily at 2pm; there's also free water and hot
drinks. A sprawling roof deck with hammocks is the perfect spot for a cold beer and a
good book.
Private rooms have bunks, not double beds.
Hostal Hansi GUESTHOUSE $