Panama's Fair Season Begins with Boquete's Flowers and Coffee Festival

This year, around 30 fairs will be held throughout the country, 10 of which will take place in the Chiriquí province. The opening of the 53rd edition of the Boquete Flowers and Coffee Fair in the province of Chiriquí kicks off the fair season in Panama. In addition to the Boquete fair, in January the Pixvae Beach Tourism Fair will be held in Veraguas, the Watermelon Fair in Calobre from January 15 to 17, the Santa Fe Fair from January 29 to February 2, and the Pixvae Beach Tourism Fair in Veraguas. Ruiz highlighted that this event generates an estimated economic impact of $20 million for the national economy, in addition to creating about 200 direct jobs. For this year, the admission prices to the fair are: $2.50 general, $1.50 for retirees; children up to 10 years old enter for free. The president of the board, Tomás Ruiz, indicated that visitors will be able to enjoy 37 themed gardens with photo booths, as well as 14 new species of flowers, including chabelitas, begonias, petunias, celosias, geraniums, and 'novios'. This estimate is due to the surprises prepared for the public, especially the artistic performances on the stage with national artists that will extend throughout the week. Also in January, the San Sebastián de Ocú Fair in Herrera will take place from January 21 to 25, the La Chorrera Fair in West Panama from January 21 to February 1, and the Orange Fair in Penonomé, Coclé, from January 28 to February 1. During the inauguration of the event, the Minister of Agricultural Development (MIDA) Roberto Linares highlighted that 'it is here that the effort of an entire province that makes the wheel of the economy turn is reflected'. Furthermore, for this 53rd edition, the fair presents various innovations, especially in the design of gardens. The climate, coffee production, and cultural offering continue to be the main attractions that characterize this traditional event in Boquete. Linares added that for the producer, the fair is a space to proudly show what is born from their work, while for entrepreneurs and artisans it is a first space to grow. In addition, the Boquete Municipality announced that they will have free parking for tour buses that will arrive from all over the country. This is added to approximately 2,000 additional jobs generated by artisans and participating companies. With the arrival of a large number of people, security agencies will maintain permanent 24-hour surveillance, both inside the fairgrounds and in its surroundings. The organizing committee has high expectations for this edition and expects the arrival of around 200,000 people.