Las Tablas, Los Santos
Las Tablas | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Santa Librada de Las Tablas | |
| Coordinates: 7°46′N 80°17′W / 7.767°N 80.283°W | |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Los Santos |
| District | Las Tablas |
| Founded | 1671 |
| Area | |
| • Land | 7.5 km2 (2.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 42 m (138 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
• Total | 9,255 |
| • Density | 1,197.6/km2 (3,102/sq mi) |
| Population density calculated based on land area. | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| Climate | Aw |
Las Tablas (Spanish pronunciation: [las ˈta.βlas]) is the capital of the Panamanian province of Los Santos, with a population of 9,255 as of 2010. It is located a few kilometres inland from the Gulf of Panama on the Azuero Peninsula. Las Tablas is a recognised national centre of Panamanian folk: Art, music, gastronomy, architecture, culture and literature. Belisario Porras, the only Panamanian president to serve three terms, was from Las Tablas.
It is known for a lively yearly Carnival, in which the city splits into two competing factions, "Calle Arriba" (Uptown, literally "Street Above") and "Calle Abajo" (Downtown / Street Below), both centred on two streets of the same name. Each faction will have a carnival queen, a parade, fireworks, music, a decorated plaza, food stands, presentations, concerts, surveys, games, contests, etc., all attempting to overpower the other faction's efforts.