Panama's National Handicrafts Fair draws record 677 artisans

The 46th Feria Nacional de Artesanías opened at the Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City, featuring a record 677 artisans from across the country. The fair runs through 2 August and showcases traditional items such as cutarras, polleras, tembleques, painted hats, molas, ceramics, tagua carvings and more.

Minister of Culture Maruja Herrera said the event aims to boost the income of artisans and strengthen the national economy, inviting families to experience Panama’s multicultural heritage. Over five days the program includes performances by more than 40 folk groups, around 5,000 dancers, culinary stalls, and new sections like the City of the Arts and the Centro de Arte y Cultura de Colón. The Ministry also launched the fair’s first official website, and highlighted Maestra Artesana 2025 Gloria Lina Hernández as a cultural ambassador.

Compared with roughly 460 exhibitors the previous year, the increased participation is expected to generate a larger economic spill‑over for the artisanal sector and promote Panama’s cultural identity domestically and abroad.