Every year, Las Tablas, the capital of the province of Los Santos, welcomes thousands of people from all over the country, who make a pilgrimage each July to fulfill promises and ask favors of the Virgin of Saint Librada.
Religious and Cultural Festival
The Patron Saint of Saint Librada, which will be celebrated from July 19 to 23 in 2025, is the reason for this enormous influx of visitors to this town on the Azuero Peninsula, where religious and cultural activities can be enjoyed each year. This festival is accompanied by the pilgrimage of hundreds of people from all over the country.
History Coming from the Spanish Colony
Saint Librada (also called Liberata), a 4th-century martyr from Aquitaine (France), arrived in Las Tablas in the 17th century, brought by Spanish settlers after the sacking of Old Panama. There are several venerated images in the town: La Peregrina, brought by the first settlers; La Pequeñita inside the church; La Moñona with her long hair; and La Chola, found in Mensabe in 1862 inside a floating box.
Activities During the Patron Saint’s Day
Night Masses with high religious attendance.
Night Procession: A procession takes place on a float through the main streets with praises and offerings, dressed in traditional costume and jewelry.
Serenade and Fireworks: During the early morning and on the eve of the day, traditional artists sing traditional music from the interior of the country.
Patron Saint’s Day Mass: Presided over by church authorities; thousands of faithful gather, even those who walk from distant places on pilgrimage.
Maritime Procession: A statue transported by boat from the port of Mensabé, recreating its historic arrival.
