The Sea Fair in Taboga: An Idea Worth Reviving

The Feria del Mar, or Sea Fair, is an annual event that many coastal towns hold as a way to boost tourism and give their area an extra draw: one weekend a year, much like the fairs held elsewhere in the country that already have a set date and their own base of visitors (the Azuero fair, La Chorrera’s fair, the flower fair, and so on). The island once tried holding one, with real success, but couldn’t keep it going year after year. This Sea Fair deserves another shot, run by its own organizing committee — separate from the group behind the island’s other yearly events, like carnival or religious celebrations — with a fixed annual date, so regular visitors know that on those days there’s more happening on the island, and a good time to be had.

You could add a nighttime dance area, beach bonfires, a stage with guest performers, beach contests — things that have been tried before, but my point is continuity: with a properly organized committee committed to at least three editions, something well built, so that as soon as one edition wraps up, planning for the next year’s fair can begin.

Best regards.

Note: I couldn’t find any photos from this edition of Taboga’s Sea Fair, possibly because I spent the whole event dressed as a pirate.