Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 6678-8018, in Panama City 399-4781;
www.2oceansdivers.com
)
A PADI dive center mostly
active on weekends and in high season, located at Coco Plum Lodge. Excursions are
made from a comfortable catamaran.
Scubaportobelo
DIVING
( 261-3841;
www.scubapanama.com
)
Outfitter Scubaportobelo offers all-inclusive scuba
packages. It's located on the road into town, on the left.
Swimming
If you're looking for a day of fun in the sun, nearby
Playa Blanca
is a great day trip
from Portobelo. Closer, you'll find the small cove beach
La Huerta
and
Puerto Francés
, which has a covered hammock hut and bathroom (arrange ahead of time for a key; local
boat drivers know the caretakers).
CELEBRATING REBELLION
To see authentic Portobelo, see the Festival de Diablos y Congos where we celeb-
rate ourcimarrónancestors, slaves who survived by rebellion. We dance, and in-
stead of wearing our Sunday best, we wear clashing rags. We speak in reverse, as
cimarronesdid, to keep the Spaniards guessing. Survival is all about liberty, it's a
beautiful thing to see.
Portobelo resident Aristela Blandon is a community mediator and dance teacher.
Courses
Agrupaciones de Congo
DANCE
OFFLINE MAP
( 6693-5690; Calle Principal, Casa Artesanal; per hr US$20)
This established local group
preserves the longstanding tradition of Congo dancing. Aristela Blandon gives tailored
dance classes and provides a fascinating background on the slave history behind this
unique tradition in Spanish. Participants can also purchase a CD of original music.
Festivals & Events
On the last Sunday of each month there is an Afro Mass with a town fair displaying local
food and traditional crafts. Holy Week is also an interesting time to be here.