Feria Internacional de San Jose de David

Feria Internacional de San José de David

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Cultural & TraditionalDavid
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration11 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsFew Panamanian fairs can trace as continuous
Language["es"]Currency: PAB
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Feria Internacional de San Jose de David in David

David's international fair traces back to a 1926 exhibition of national art and industry and has grown into one of Panama's largest commercial and agricultural events, drawing roughly 300,000 visitors over ten days each March. Timed around the March 19 feast of Saint Joseph, the city's patron saint, it showcases Chiriqui province's ranching, farming, and craft industries alongside concerts and rides.

David's fair did not start as a fair at all but as a 1926 exhibition of national art and industry, organized by the Sociedad Minerva and held on the grounds of David's college through 1932.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few Panamanian fairs can trace as continuous a lineage: the event grew out of a 1926 exhibition organized by the Sociedad Minerva, was rescued and expanded by the Lions Club and cattle ranchers' association ANAGAN through the 1950s and 1960s, and was formally elevated to international status by national law in 1977

02

The mystery stays covered

That history makes it as much a civic institution as a trade show, anchored in Chiriqui's identity as Panama's main cattle and agricultural province

03

The city starts moving

Running each March around the patronal feast of Saint Joseph gives the commercial fair a religious and civic backbone that pure trade exhibitions lack, and its ten-day scale, drawing hundreds of thousands, makes it one of the largest recurring gatherings in western Panama

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The fair is timed to the March 19 feast day of Saint Joseph

Water and renewal

Living ritual

David's patron saint

The sacred route

Living ritual

and continues a tradition of showcasing Chiriqui's cattle-ranching and agricultural economy that dates to civic exhibitions organized by the Lions Club and the ranchers' association ANAGAN in the mid-20th century

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing for lowland Chiriqui heat; comfortable closed shoes for walking large fairgrounds.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of David you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["es"] · PAB

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map8.43 N, 82.43 WOpen in Google Maps

David, Chiriqui, Panama

Nearest airportDAV — Enrique Malek
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of David you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to David via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near David, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing for lowland Chiriqui heat; comfortable closed shoes for walking large fairgrounds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Panama and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Feria Internacional de San Jose de David?

Feria Internacional de San Jose de David is listed for Past edition: 12–22 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Feria Internacional de San Jose de David take place?

The festival is listed in David, Panama. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

11 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

David, Chiriqui, Panama

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmef.gob.pa
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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