On March 22, 2026, the Saus Fest & Food will be held at Mi Pueblito Afroantillano, a gastronomic and cultural festival that seeks to highlight one of the most representative dishes of Afro-Panamanian cuisine: the Saus. The event, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., is driven by the Municipality of Panama in conjunction with the private sector, as part of the efforts to strengthen gastronomy as the axis of local and international tourism in Panama, promoting cultural experiences that highlight the country's culinary identity. Additionally, during the festival, a competition for the best Saus in Panama will be held, where attendees can taste the different recipes prepared by the participants and vote for their favorite. The contest will also feature a guest jury, and the winner will receive $500.00 in cash. It will also offer a varied cultural and gastronomic agenda for the whole family, including: A live presentation by Combos Nacionales with the participation of DJ Andy from the Virtual Disco with the best of salsa and rhythms, and a DJ with Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as soca, Haitian, calypso, and dancehall. An Afro fashion show with designers Alex Adames and Jean Decort will also be held. For those who wish, there will be a bazaar of clothing and accessories. For those seeking other dishes, a sale of Afro and Caribbean food such as one a one, rice with coconut, fish, patty, chicheme, raspado, pipa, plantita, bom, and ice cream will be available. Specialized artisans in Afro braids, wigs, and turbans will also be present. For this event, the attendance of more than 2,000 people is expected, who will be able to enjoy an atmosphere full of gastronomy, music, fashion, and cultural tradition. The Saus Fest & Food seeks to position itself as a platform to promote Afro-Panamanian gastronomy, support culinary entrepreneurs, and continue to project Panama as a gastronomic and cultural destination in the region.
