The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) have officially announced the 2026 Thousand Polleras Parade, an event that not only fills the streets but also affirms who we are and where we come from. The parade will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m., in Las Tablas, Los Santos province, where 105 delegations will walk together to the rhythm of tradition, carrying history, identity, and the silent work of hands that have embroidered the country for generations. For this edition, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, was named the official standard-bearer, a recognition of the heritage value of a celebration that is neither improvised nor copied: it is inherited. A Tradition That Never Fades During the presentation, the Administrator General of the ATP, Gloria De León, informed that the Thousand Polleras Parade is not just another event on the cultural calendar. “This is not a parade to watch from afar. In its 2025 edition, the event generated over 41 million dollars, reached 100% hotel occupancy in Las Tablas and nearby areas, and brought together more than 276,000 people. “These figures demonstrate that culture also drives development and positions Panama as an authentic destination,” stated De León, noting that the goal is to surpass those numbers in 2026. An Invitation to the Nation The ATP and MiCulture invited Panamanians and visitors to be part of a celebration that is lived on the street, felt in the chest, and remembered all year. Because when the pollera walks, Panama recognizes itself. Every January, Las Tablas and Azuero become the cultural heart of Panama, receiving thousands of people who come to meet their identity,” they affirmed. The high registration for 2026 confirms that this tradition remains alive, strong, and respected by the people. A Culture That Walks and an Economy That Moves The 2026 edition will be accompanied by an expanded cultural agenda, designed for the experience to go beyond the parade. “When the pollera takes to the street, the country stops. Every year it moves the economy of the district and strengthens the well-being of our people,” they expressed. An Engine for Cultural Tourism The ATP also recalled the parade's impact on the national economy. Among the announced activities are the Thousand Polleras Walkway, with the participation of more than 100 artisans and entrepreneurs; presentations by national artists and folk groups from January 14 to 16; and the traditional Mud Gathering in Pedasí, where the artisanal process that brings the pollera to life is honored. Minister María Eugenia Herrera emphasized the human value behind each garment. “The pollera represents the effort of our artisans, women who preserve ancestral knowledge and keep the country's cultural history alive with every stitch,” she stated. The Impact in Las Tablas From the territory, the mayor of Las Tablas, Noé Herrera, highlighted that the parade not only fills the streets but also the tables. “This event creates real opportunities for many families who work informally. Here, you can feel the country.
