The Panama Fair is a celebration of local culture (including the region's Caribbean and African heritage), which includes the community's strong penchant for expression through dance. The Panama Fair, which occurs in the early spring, features Congolese folklore dances that make up a large portion of the fair's live performances. These Congo-based performances are brought to Colon by residents of nearby Costa Arriba, whose ancestors hid in the jungles to escape Spanish slavery. The dance style features elaborate costumes with feathered headdresses. Dancers mimic African animals and icons, following the beat of a drum and re-creating traditional stories.
Colon's Carnaval is one of the largest spiritual festivals in the world and is considered the main festival in Colon---it's frequently compared to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Rio's Carnival. The festival's roots are based in Roman Catholicism, paying homage to the significance of the coming Lent season and the suffering of Christ. Carnaval takes place the week before Ash Wednesday, with plenty of music, Congo dancing, drinking and fireworks to start it all off. During this four-day celebration, the streets of Panama are filled with costumed revelers, parade floats, colorful masks, and confetti. In Central America, African roots are infused into the tradition, with "congos and diablos" festivities demonstrating this fusion through Congo dancing, costumes, and drums that represent cleansing and renewal.
The Black Christ Festival draws massive crowds from around the world---make your hotel reservations far in advance if you plan on visiting the area during this time. The Black Christ Festival comes to Panama on October 21, when residents flock to the Portobelo region to honor the patron saint Nazareno. This major international tourist event and demonstration of faith comes to life with natives dressed in pilgrim costumes and a religious procession carrying the life-size figure of the Black Christ through the city. The fiesta is infused with Panamanian culture, including Panamanian food, Congo dance, music and costumes.
