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Also in this section:
A day on Taboga Island
A newcomer's first take on polleras
 

A first exposure to polleras

photos by Joel Inwood

Those who think in terms of a generic Latin American culture would have a hard time squaring Panamanian folklore with their stereotypes. Here we have the first impressions that student intern Joel Inwood --- who has some experience in other Latin American countries --- with that which we call cultura típica.

But let us say "culturas típicas," because there are more than one.

As in, a woman wearing a traditional Interior-style pollera (right) meets a Congo queen (right), in the Atlantic side tradition.

The annual pollera parade is a big event for kids.

Wait a minute! Sponge Bob's not Panamanian! Don't think he's a kid, for that matter.

And just HOW long did mama spend getting every detail right?

¡Ahúa! ¡Ahúa!

These particular diablitos are of the Chorrerano variety.

Just because we don't have Britons chasing them around with horses, dogs and horns doesn't mean that Panama has no foxes.

Just because you think these guys are cool does not mean that the judge is going to listen to your "the devil made me do it" song and dance.