Panama, April 22, 2025 - The iconic town of Portobelo is preparing to celebrate the 14th Fest of Fairy and Congos, roots, drums and dances, next May 3, 2025. That biannual event is one of the most vivid expressions of Panamanian folklore, proudly highlighting the richness of our country's Afro-descendant culture.

The festival will offer a varied agenda of cultural activities, including exhibitions of masks and crafts, gastronomic fairs with typical delights from the region, as well as musical performances and traditional dances that invite us to celebrate our roots.

Since its first edition in 1999, the Festival has grown significantly, with more than 5,000 attendees at each delivery and with the participation of groups from different provinces such as Panama, Veraguas, Bocas del Toro and Colón, as well as the host communities of Portobelo and Puerto Lindo.

A key element for the continuity and strengthening of this cultural demonstration has been the constant support of the Tourist Authority and the Ministry of Culture, which, through the National Cultural Heritage Authority, has been a fundamental ally in its promotion, maintenance and national and international projection. It should be noted that this direction was the proponent for recognition given by the UNESCO in 2018, when the expressions, rituals and festivities of the congo culture were declared an Inmaterial Cultural Heritage of mankind.

The support of the Ministry of Culture has been essential to preserve this living heritage and to enabling the implementation of cultural policies that guarantee its transmission to future generations. Thanks to this joint work, today the Fest of Densan and Congos has been established as a platform of identity, pride and expression of the Afro-descendant people of Panama.

In 2024, the collective effort was rewarded once Portobelo was recognised by UN Tourism with the prize "Best Tourism Villages 2024," highlighting its commitment to sustainability, the preservation of cultural heritage and responsible tourism.

"The Fest of Density and Congoes at Portobelo is a celebration of our Afro-descendant and national pride. It's an example of dedicated tourism that shows the world the living cultural wealth of Panama," said Gloria De León, General Manager of the Panama Tourism Authority.

The Festivals of the pollera congo, Máscaras and Dairy Dairy Festival continues its tireless work to safeguard these traditions and deeply appreciates the Ministry of Culture for its commitment and constant accompaniment to this work to preserve and strengthen the Panamanian cultural heritage.