Panama, May 9, 2025 - The Ministry of Culture announces the first Afro Darienita Festival, a cultural event to be held on May 16 and 17, 2025, in La Palma, Darién Province.

"The Afro Darienita 2025 festival is a celebration and a reaffirmation of our commitment to the reconstruction of the social fabric through culture. Today we open a space for the Darienita people to be seen, heard and recognized," expressed María Eugenia Herrera, Minister of Culture.

Nederin Ibarra, regional director of Darién, explained "that the event aims to strengthen local economy through support to 15 Darienite artisan, who will display and market their products under decent conditions with institutional support and national visibility."

The festival was born as a platform to recognize, disseminate and enhance Afro-Darienite cultural expressions and thus strengthen the identity, sense of belonging and pride of its inhabitants. The initiative also aims to visualize and celebrate the invaluable legacy of Afro-descendant communities in the region.

To the whole population - children, youth, adults, old people, local and national authorities as well as national and international tourists - the festival will have a diverse and participatory agenda. attendees will be able to enjoy music, crafts fair, traditional dances, poetry, Afro theater, cultural competitions and a colorful parade that will highlight the dressmaking, billing and typical gastronomy of Darién.

One of the most awaited moments will be the coronation of Queen Afro Darienita, a symbol of Afro-descendant beauty, strength and cultural wealth.

At the same time, an artisan, institutional and entrepreneurial fair will be held, where local artisan and entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to display their talent, creativity and unique products to the public.

A special tribute will be paid as a central event to outstanding teacher and folloclist Edelmira Sánchez, a key figure in the preservation of the Afro-descendant cultural heritage at Darién. Her educational and cultural legacy has been an unbeatable feature of generations of Darienites and this recognition aims to honor his tiring work.

The festival will also have the presence of renowned special guests, including historians Anibal Córdoba and writer María Sugey Blanco, who will share their reflections about the history and Afro-descendant identity of Panama.

The Minister Herrera expressed her gratitude for the support of allied institutions and the mayors of Chepigana, Santa Fé and Pinogana, who have added their efforts to guarantee the festival. He also called on communities of African descent and the public to participate actively in this first edition.