Onofre Núñez, president of the Orange Fair organizing committee, clarified that the fair continues to be intended for the entire community. While they do not want to take it away from Churuquita Grande, the reality is that currently the best land is in Churuquita Chiquita, and so the fair will be held there so that the farmer vendors will be able to enjoy profits instead of losses.

This year, some 32 tents will be set up from different communities and nearly $26,000 will be invested, including rental of the new fair grounds. The Orange Fair is traditionally held at the end of January, but the fair board decided that this year it will take place from February 28 to March 3 at the fair grounds of Churuquita Chiquita in Penonomé, which cover over four hectares.

“This year, the carnival is set for a date very close to that of the traditional fair in late January and early February. We know that many people save up their money for Carnival and what we want is that more people come to the fair, so we have chosen a date that is far from this event enjoyed by all Panamanians and foreigners,” he explained.

He added that, as of now, the fair will continue to be held in the village of Churuquita Chiquita community, where the land is already prepared and the cost of rent is low this year, at around two thousand dollars. They are in the act of purchasing the land, but  paperwork is still being processed and so it must still be rented. 

Núñez hopes that this year many more communities will participate for the first time, in addition to the notable participation of the Panama Best company, which is engaged in the commerce of citrus fruits.