Las Tablas, Los Santos

Las Tablas is the capital of the Panamanian province of Los Santos. It is located a few kilometers inland from the Gulf of Panama on the Azuero Peninsula. Las Tablas is a recognized national center of Panamanian folk: Art, music, gastronomy, architecture, culture and literature. The only Panamanian president to serve three terms, Belisario Porras Barahona, was from Las Tablas.

It is known for a lively yearly Carnival, in which the city splits into two competing factions, "Calle Arriba" (Uptown, literally "Street Above") and "Calle Abajo" (Downtown / Street Below), both centered on two streets of the same name. Each faction will have a carnival queen, a parade, fireworks, music, a decorated plaza, food stands, presentations, concerts, surveys, games, contests, etc., all attempting to overpower the other faction's efforts.

References

* [http://www.geocities.com/tour_pty/Santos3.htm Cuna del Folklore Nacional ] (Spanish) Retrieved March 27, 2005
* [http://www.panamatours.com/Magazine/magazine_a_eng.htm Las Tablas Carnival info and pictures]
* [http://www.thepanamareport.com/geeklog/public_html/article.php?story=lastablaspanama Las Tablas Panama Information]