The 54th annual Veraguas Fair opened its gates in Soná this week, launching a ten-day event projected to significantly stimulate the local and provincial economy. Organizers anticipate roughly 60,000 visitors will attend the fair, which is designed to boost tourism, commerce, and employment across the region.
This year’s edition features a full schedule of folkloric activities, cattle exhibitions, popular dances, amusement park rides, and live musical performances. A prominent showcase for the region’s agricultural and equestrian heritage, the fair includes dedicated exhibitions for the finely-gaited Paso Fino horse. The event transforms the district into a central hub for cultural celebration and business activity.
Fair board president and deputy Tomás Benavides presided over the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by representatives from the central government and provincial authorities. He framed the event as a critical driver for both cultural preservation and economic development.
“This event not only strengthens our tradition but also drives the development of our entire province and the country,” Benavides said. [Translated from Spanish]
He expressed strong optimism for this year’s economic outcomes, directly linking the fair’s success to community potential. Benavides also thanked corporate sponsors and government institutions for their essential support in making the large-scale festival possible.
“This year we firmly hope to surpass the economic impacts generated in the previous edition, because we believe in the potential of our people and in all we can achieve together,” Benavides stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Economic Impact and Cultural Showcase
The fair’s organization creates immediate temporary employment and increases demand for local services, including hospitality, transportation, and retail. Vendors from across Veraguas Province and beyond secure space to sell products, connecting agricultural producers directly with consumers. Officials describe the fair as a growing and consolidated showcase of opportunities for the agro-industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors.
Benavides emphasized the event’s inclusive nature, calling it a prepared space for families, producers, entrepreneurs, youth, and children. Each corner of the fairgrounds, he noted, was arranged with considerable effort and dedication. The blend of activities is strategic, aiming to honor Panamanian folkloric traditions while simultaneously creating a dynamic marketplace.
“The local economy strengthens, as do our roots, as a key point of development,” Benavides explained. [Translated from Spanish] The statement underscores the dual mission of the event, which has become a fixture in the provincial calendar.
With ten days of programmed events now underway, hotel occupancy in the area is expected to rise sharply. Restaurants and ancillary businesses in Soná are preparing for a sustained influx of visitors from across Panama. The fair’s success will be measured by its attendance figures and the reported sales increases for participating vendors and local enterprises when the event concludes next week.