Panama City, 22 December 2025.- The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) have been presenting at a press conference details of the next issue of the Mil Pollera Parade, one of the most iconic cultural expressions of the country and a key event for the projection of Panama as a destination for cultural tourism.

The parade will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, starting at 1: 00 p.m., at Las Tablas, Province of Los Santos and will have the participation of 105 delegations, and this reaffirms its root and reach at national level.

In this edition, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, will be the official champion of the parade, in recognition of the heritage and cultural value of this demonstration that enelevates Panamanian identity.

In addition to the parade, the ATP and MiCultura have announced an enlarged cultural agenda with activities that will energize the region of Azuero, strengthen the local economy and offer national and international visitors an true experience related to Panamanian tradition and identity.

A Living Expression of Panamanian Identity

At the press conference, the General Manager of the Panama Tourism Authority, Gloria De León, emphasized that the Mil Pollera Parade transcends the festive and strengthens itself as a living demonstration of the national cultural heritage.

"The Mil Polleres Parade is far more than an event and a living expression of our identity, our roots and our pride for what we are as a country. Each January, Las Tablas and the whole region of Azuero become the cultural heart of Panama, with thousands of visitors coming to celebrate our traditions.", expressed De León.

The general manager emphasized that high participation for this issue confirms the existence and symbolic value of the parade as one of the leading cultural references of the country.

Cultural agenda that promotes tourism and local economy

The ATP and MiCultura will develop a cultural agenda as part of the announced program that strengthens the visitor's experience and generates direct opportunities for local communities. Among these activities are Vereda Mil Polleas, with the participation of more than 100 artisan and entrepreneurs, presentations with national artists and folk sets from January 14 to 16 as well as the traditional Board of Embarra at Pedasi, an activity that puts into value the artisan processes and traditions associated with the production of the pollera.

"Panama is a country of traditions, where our culture is the force that unites us and manifests itself in our costumes. On this occasion, the pollera reminds us of the profound value that we Panamanians give to the work of our crafts, who with dedicated and care preserve the ancestral knowledge that have woven our nation's history and identity." said María Eugenia Herrera, Minister of Culture.

Local impact and district commitment

For his part, the mayor of the District of Las Tablas, Noé Herrera, emphasized the importance of the parade for the economic and social development of the municipality as well as the work articulated between the institutions and the community.

"The Mil Polleres Parade is an important activity for our district, because it benefits many people who work informally during the event. We hope that as in previous years, this will be a success and that they will continue to advance the local economy and well-being of our families."expressed.

 Tourism impact and international projection

The ATP's general manager also emphasized the tourist and economic impact that the parade generates for the region and its contribution to Panama's vision as a cultural destination. "In its 2025 edition, the Mil Pollera Parade generated an economic spill of more than $41 million with a 100% hotel occupation at Las Tablas and surrounding areas and assistance from more than 276 thousand people. They are figures we hope to exceed by 2026.", stated De León.

He added that this event strengthens Panama's positioning as a destination that offers true experiences, where culture, history and identity form a central part of the tourism proposal.

 Panama, destination of tradition and identity

The Panama Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Culture reiterate their invitation to Panamanian and visiting people to join this cultural celebration.

With this new edition, the Mil Polleres Parade continues to be established as a reference for cultural tourism and a platform to project Panama, host of the world, as a place of living traditions, identity and genuine experiences.