The historic rivalry between Panama’s top carnival factions erupted in Las Tablas this week, offering a vibrant preview of the 2026 festivities. Hundreds of residents packed Porras Park on December 31 and January 1 for the traditional pre-carnival “tuna” competitions. The event officially launched the long buildup to the Carnival in Panama spectacle scheduled for February 2026.
Representatives from the competing “Calle Arriba” (Upper Street) and “Calle Abajo” (Lower Street) groups performed with music, satirical murga bands, and elaborate floats. This early showdown sets the tone for months of artistic preparation and friendly rivalry in Los Santos Province. The province is renowned for hosting Panama’s most famous and fiercely contested carnival celebrations.
Queens Express Confidence After Early Showdown
Both groups’ queens for the 2026 carnival addressed the crowd, delivering confident statements that fueled local excitement. Ana Isabel Carrizo, the 2026 queen for Calle Arriba, spoke about the overwhelming community support her team has already gathered.
“It has been a profound feeling to see everyone who supports me. We are very prepared,” Carrizo said. [Translated from Spanish]
She emphasized the extensive work and dedication her “tuna,” or musical ensemble, is committing to the upcoming festivities. From the opposing side, Astrid Carolina Sánchez, queen for Calle Abajo, issued a characteristically bold challenge to her rivals.
“I am very happy and grateful to my people from Calle Abajo. We already have them finished, I have nothing more to say to them. Everything was demonstrated in Porras Park,” Sánchez commented. [Translated from Spanish]
Her defiant tone is a staple of the Carnival of Las Tablas, designed to stoke passion and loyalty among residents who identify with one street faction for life.
First “Culeco” of 2025 Draws International Attention
The event doubled as the first official “culeco,” or water-based celebration, of the new year. Spectators enjoyed performances from the most recognized murga bands in the region. The vibrant display of costumes, music, and decorated floats left little doubt that planning for 2026 is in full swing.
Attendees expressed sheer enthusiasm for the early spectacle. The event’s international appeal was evident in the crowd. One visitor from Switzerland noted her personal connection to the local tradition.
“I love Carnival. I am Swiss, married to a Panamanian from Las Tablas,” she said. Her presence underscores the global draw of this uniquely Panamanian festival, which attracts thousands of tourists and former residents each year. The intense energy in the park confirmed the community’s readiness to begin the long and artistic march toward the main event.
With these preliminary activities now complete, the town solidifies its focus on hosting the 2026 International Carnival. The festival is widely considered one of Panama’s most anticipated and culturally significant events. Local businesses and artisans will now engage in over a year of preparation for the parades and parties that define the region’s identity. The early start allows for more intricate float designs and complex musical arrangements, raising the competitive stakes even higher.
The rivalry between the streets, deeply woven into the social fabric of the community, extends beyond mere celebration. It is a source of local pride and a driver of cultural preservation. This early skirmish in Porras Park proves that the spirit of carnival never truly sleeps in Las Tablas. It merely simmers until it is ready to boil over into a full-blown national spectacle.