Partying in the Azuero

The Azuero Peninsula's revelry is hard to surpass, from the extremely hedonistic Carnavales to pious Corpus Christi celebrations or small-town patronales. Expect bright clothes, lively music and dancing, and plenty of seco, the country's strong spirit, to wash it all down. Traditional folk groups are followed by DJs blaring out reggaeton, bachata, and salsa; and stylized Andalusian-inspired dances such as the tamborito (Panama's national dance) and punto are imbued with African and pre-Columbian rhythms employing drums, gourds, and seed pods.

Every year, about 500 festivals are hosted here. The Desfile de las Mil Polleras in January, a tourist-focused parade of various types of Panamanian polleras in Las Tablas; Carnaval in February (the country's most lavish celebration is held in Las Tablas again); Patronales de San Juan, a five-day costumed extravaganza in June with diablicos sucios, folk dancing, fireworks, and the patron saint paraded from the beach in Chitré; and the Festival de Manito in August in Ocú.

Location: Panama