The Mejorana National Festival is an event created in the middle of the last century by prominent folklorists from the Azuero region such as Prof. Manuel F. Zarate, Dora P. de Zarate, Jose Nieves Angulo, Pancho Castillo, Casimiro Smith, Reyin Espino, Toño Saavedra, Benjamin Dominguez, Dr. Baltasar Isaza, Juan Ehrman, among others.
The motive of this group of folklorists was to rescue, exalt and promote the traditions of the region and popular culture of the country man, with the aim that the peasants feel pride and a sense of belonging to their cultural heritage.
A Little History
The first La Mejorana Festival took place in September 1949, together with the patronal feast of the Virgen de las Mercedes de Guarare, continuing to this day. In 1955, the Mejorana Festival was declared, a National Festival of the Panamanian Tradition. This year the celebration will be from September 23 to 26.
The Mejorana National Festival born from the fact that La Mejorana is the most prominent and authentic instrument in the region.
Activities During the Festival
Most of the activities this year will still take place virtually, however, here are several of the folkloric activities that will be featured:
• Contests for Written Tenths and Sung Tenths
• Toque de Marjoram Contest
• Children’s Drum Contest
• Children’s Accordion Contest “Didio Borrero”
• Clothing Contest: Male and Female Work Mode, among these we have:
• Male Ponytail (shirt) for Party
• Montuna Festival Skirt
• Participation of Folkloric Ensembles
• Cart Competition
For more information on the activities: www.festivalnacionaldelamejorana.com
