San Sebastian Fair

San Sebastian Fair, more than a fair a festivity where both Culture and Tradition meet

Once again Ocú is the mecca of a great cultural and economic Celebration. Ocú a small district located in the province of Herrera at four hours from the Capital City of the country. If you are in Panama you can take a bus with the routes Ocú-Panama or las Minas-Panama. The bus fare is of only 9 US dollars-- quite affordable or in Veraguas you can take the buses with the routes Ocú-Santiago or Las Minas Santiago. For these routes you will only have to pay 2 US dollar.

The event kicks off on January 16^th and ends on January 22^nd. This important fair is in honor to the Saint Patron San Sebastian. On the night of the 16^th , the Ocuenos (people from Ocú) do a big mass to bless the event and thank their Patron Saint for all the blessings he has given to them.  In this mass important Government personalities attend, who among them, is the President of The Republic of Panama, Mr. Ricardo Martinelli who is also responsible for the cutting of the inaugural band. Once this is done a wonderful display of fireworks say that all is ready for the commencement of the Ocú International Fair.

A Queen crowned with Gold

 Every event has to have a queen; this year’s Queen was Miss Danixa Batista Arroyo, a beautiful lady that, without a single fog of doubt was a good representative for this important event.  the jewels she wears are  of pure gold and delicately hand made for Ocuenos Artisans.    her dress is also quite expensive for the designs on it are sewed by hand for women from San Jose, a nearby place where most of the women dedicate their lives to enliven creations like this, so that they can be displayed to the world. the Queen proudly said that she was really honored to wear a dress like this, but she highlighted the fact that without the joint cooperation of all the Town inhabitants, family members that were her support in this hard task and visitors. the fair would not be the hit it was.  

This agricultural, industrial and cultural fair seeks to highlight the core cultural values of its inhabitants. For instance the way they used to trade, dance and dress. The fair also invites the youngsters to keep the cultural traditions and to go on dreaming as those in the past did to keep alive what we are contemplating with such admiration, passion, love and superb care.  

Produce of the Land, also brought to the World.

Ocuenos are really hard working people. most of them live from the agriculture and from the livestock. produce like yucca, watermelons, melons, tomatoes, green pepper, coil, and so many others are sold in the town at quite low prices, for the producers sells themselves what they get from their orchards. the produce prices go expensive when they are sold by intermediaries. 

 In this picture you see both winter and summer squash. people use also the pattypan squash especially in soups and the rest of this kind are used in sweets. as you see the produce is quite varied, so you have options from where to choose if you make your mind to visit Ocu. 

if you are tired of the same and want to buy good produce, with good taste, variety and at low prices, then you will have to give yourself a tour to Ocu. 

so come see for yourself and get delighted. 

International Food for the most demanding of the Palates

the sweets can't be missed in this fair. if you want to taste delicious heavenly sweets brought to you from Cocle, then you have to come to Ocu for San Sebastian Fair. from grated coconut candies to jelly stuffed bums in different fruits flavors, well the list goes on and on. hungry right?  just drop by and you won't regret it

food is showcased everywhere in the fair. here you can find food from Peru, Italy, Costa Rica, and from different zones or provinces of the country. all the vendors have to abide by the Health Department requirements before putting up the Kiosk. In this kiosk right here I enjoyed a pineapple milk shake with Corn flakes. an interesting combination. the creativity is all around. the only thing you need is to come and enjoy.  

people from all over the Globe come to buy interesting items from the Town. though the price is quite high. tourist do not hesitate to pay for one of these jewels of Culture and Traditions. here are some pictures of the most sought-after items that tourist search when visiting the San Sebastian Fair.

 on the left you see the famous Gutarras or hand-made leather shoes. they come in many designs and on awesome presentations, colors. they can also be customized. if you want you name on it. it is possible too. Tourist prefer the ones that are as rustic as possible.                                                                              

                                                                                     

The white Ocueno Hat is very famous for the great quality if the materials and the sewing used. the price of the hat is set by the manner this is sewed, the tighter the sewing, the more expensive. you can find it at the Inn in Ocu. where some woman from San Jose has a small shop where you can get them. 

 the scarf is another item very bought by Tourist. its fine designs with the shape of diamonds, stars and so are the main appeal of them.  you can contact the lady who makes them on her Facebook page that I will be posting at the end.

these wonderful masterpieces of Culture are made by Mrs. Guillermina, a kind lady of Ocu. when I was talking to her about this wonderful pieces, I could see in her eyes the passion and enthusiasm when she politely explained us the use that the wearer should give to pieces, when to wear it and also the care that we have to have if getting one, for they are quite delicate.  she also said that the designs must also go with the wants and desires of the person. she stated that throughout the pass of the years she had to evolve in the way she made the dresses---- a young lady would like  to be in while a forty year old woman would like something more formal. what she doesn't change is the designs and  the colors    

 the Las Tulas or Crookneck squash.  the process to turn a crookneck squash into a masterpiece like this is quite tedious. in the past they were used  as water containers, they are still used as water containers but in only isolated areas of the country.  The Tulas kept the water cool and fresh. useful tool to keep the water if workers were working in the sun. most of the are not just appreciated as souvenirs by locals and new comers.  

some people dancing at the Ranch 

for those interested on the stuff promoted on this post, please feel free to add as a friend this facebook page https://www.facebook.com/artesaniasocuenascarol.ocu?fref=ts

 they will attentively assist you in all your questions and offer you the best prices.

if this was useful to you and you think you learned something, please feel free to leave a comment.