The Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) was pleased to support the 51st edition of the National Manito Festival, with the participation of the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, and more than 40 artisan who exhibited his talent and creativity.

Minister Herrera, accompanied by MiCultura's general secretary, Ivis Moreno, and national director of the arts, Gianni Bianchini, joined the festivities by wearing the typical occueño suit and was special guest at the traditional peasant marriage of Misael Ávila and Yolanis Ramos.

"It's an honor for us to celebrate and preserve our country's cultural heritage, as well as our traditions and customs, and share them with all care," Herrera expressed at the event.

Zoila Castillero de Castillero, affectionately known as the "teacher Choly," recalled that "this festival was born from the commitment of educators from the ocu district. as an educator and care provider, I feel a great responsibility to protect and preserve the traditions and authenticity of our people."

Dalton De León, president of the Fest's Board of Trustees, emphasized his educational work in the preservation of culture: "Labour educators keep alive the customs, traditions and culture of the Manitor's Festival in children and youth, organizing courses, workshops and involving schools in the search for new talents."

De León emphasized the importance of preserving the authenticity of the festival: "That festival is unique at national level because of its authenticity. We have to be the guardians of our traditions so that they are not lost in time and that responsibility lies with the care teacher."

For his part, Director Gianni Bianchini, representing MiCultura, was charged with giving the medals and recognition to the winners of the different regional competitions, leading to the talent of children, youth and adults.

That celebration, including artistic performances, folk parades, contest and traditional peasant marriage and lively typical dances, was declared a National Folk Festivals of the Republic of Panama by Act No. 53 of 1 December 1999 and receives an economic contribution from MiCultura.