In the framework of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the mejorana National Festival, the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) and the Fest's Board of Trustees awarded the Manuel F. Zábate Award to outstanding Folklorist and educator Carmen de la Cruz, from West Panama. That recognition underscores his invaluable dedicated to the preservation and promotion of national culture.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, commended the commitment of his honor and emphasized the tirelessly work of Professor Carmen de la Cruz and her huge contribution to our country's culture.

The Manuel F. Zátiate Order, created in honor of the Panamanian Folklorist Insignia, awards people who, as teacher De la Cruz, have made significant contributions to the development and preservation of national folklore. "That recognition is a tribute to his legacy and to all those who work to keep our traditions alive," added Minister Herrera.

At the same event, it was announced that the Dora Pérez de Zárate Award was declared a desert. The Minister took the opportunity to call on all the growers of the Panamanian folklore to continue to investigate and transmit the old knowledge that defines our identity. "It's vital that we continue to open up to research to preserve our knowledge of our traditions," she concluded.

The Orden Manuel F. Zárate was established by Act No. 40 of 30 June 2009 as a recognition by the Panamanian State of those people who stand out for the search, rescue and maintenance of the Panamanian folklore. That prestigious award is awarded annually through the Ministry of Culture.