Natá celebrates National Festival of Customs and Traditions

The town of Natá in Panama recently hosted its National Festival of Customs and Traditions, a vibrant celebration honoring Santiago Apóstol. The event drew artists, folklorists, and visitors from across the country, showcasing diverse expressions of Panamanian folklore.

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this festival me has given me the opportunity for the second time to present a violin contest that bears my name. it is a very great honor to transmit our music from generation to generation.

A highlight of the festival was the second edition of the traditional violin competition. Young musicians from the provinces of Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos showcased their talents, performing pieces from the traditional Panamanian repertoire. Itzel Martínez, the competition's organizer, expressed her honor in providing a platform for this event for the second time, emphasizing the importance of transmitting Panamanian music across generations.

Folkorist Marco Ruiloba praised the organization for its efforts and the strong turnout of new talent. He commended the participants for their innate folkloric expression, noting the abundance of talent present. Etnomusicologist Edwin Pitre Vásquez further underscored the cultural richness of Panama, explaining how instruments reflect a blend of European influences and indigenous traditions.

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I congratulate the organization for its efforts and the call to bring new talents from Coclé, Veraguas, Los Santos, and Herrera. There is a lot of talent. Keep expressing that innate folklore that is born from your heart.

The festival demonstrated a growing interest among younger generations in their cultural heritage. The event served as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional customs and the successful efforts to keep them alive through engaging activities and intergenerational transmission.

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the instruments we have in Panama, a product of the arrival of instruments from Europe and from the original peoples, represent a great cultural wealth.