Las Tablas: Panama's Heart of Tradition and Festivity

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Las Tablas was founded on July 19, 1671, by Spanish settlers. The town's name is said to come from the wooden planks (tablas) used by these early settlers to construct their homes and other buildings. It quickly grew into an important hub for agriculture and trade in the Azuero Peninsula.

During the colonial period, Las Tablas prospered as a center for agriculture, particularly for the production of sugarcane, cattle, and other livestock. The fertile lands and strategic location made it an essential part of the Spanish colonial economy in Panama. The town's layout and architectural style reflect Spanish colonial influences, with narrow streets and a central plaza.

Las Tablas played a significant role in Panama's fight for independence from Spain in the early 19th century. Local leaders and residents joined forces with other towns in the Azuero Peninsula to support the cause of independence. On November 28, 1821, Panama declared its independence from Spain, and Las Tablas was part of the newly-formed Republic of Gran Colombia.

The Thousand Days' War (1899-1902), a civil conflict in Colombia (of which Panama was then a part), had a notable impact on Las Tablas. The town became a refuge for people fleeing the conflict, and its residents were involved in the political and social turmoil of the era. The war's end marked a period of reconstruction and growth for the town.

Las Tablas is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its folklore and traditional festivals. The town is the heart of Panama's Carnival celebrations, which are considered the most vibrant and elaborate in the country. The annual festivities feature parades, traditional dances, music, and elaborate costumes, showcasing the town's cultural vibrancy and community spirit.

Las Tablas is famously associated with the pollera, Panama's traditional dress. The town hosts the annual National Pollera Festival, celebrating this iconic garment. The festival includes a parade of women wearing intricately embroidered polleras, demonstrating the craftsmanship and cultural significance of this traditional attire.

In recent decades, Las Tablas has continued to grow and evolve while preserving its historical and cultural roots. It remains a vital cultural center in Panama, attracting visitors from around the world to its festivals and historical sites. The town's economy has diversified, but agriculture and artisanal crafts remain essential aspects of local life.

Las Tablas is located in the Los Santos Province of Panama. The nearest major airport is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, approximately 250 kilometers away. From Panama City, you can take a domestic flight to Chitré, which is about 30 kilometers from Las Tablas. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Panama City to Las Tablas, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. Rental cars and private taxis are also available for a more flexible travel option.

Las Tablas is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transportation.

The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD). In practice, the US Dollar is widely used, and both currencies are accepted interchangeably. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in Las Tablas where you can withdraw cash.

Las Tablas is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Las Tablas. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, several pharmacies in the town can provide over-the-counter medications. The regional hospital in Chitré is also available for more serious medical needs.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your hat and avoid loud conversations when in churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A friendly 'Buenos días' goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Las Tablas like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Panamanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the annual Carnival in February, one of the largest and most vibrant in Panama. For a unique experience, take a dance class to learn traditional Panamanian dances like the 'tamborito.'