Michi Fest Panama September First is a Convention for Cat Lovers
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In countries like Chile, Australia and Turkey there are events exclusively focused on cats and in Panama, with the Michi Fest Panama, the foundations are being built to have a convention as large as those held internationally. The Michi Fest Panama has a social objective, to raise funds for its sterilization program, raise awareness about the problems suffered by the feline population and promote the importance of animal welfare. The initiative, promoted by a group of independent rescuers, arose after participating in the “Donatón – For homeless animals”, where there was a photography contest for cats, which gave rise to the idea of organizing a similar event, since adoption fairs were frequently held and the festival would be a way of bringing all these activities together in one place.
Josué Bethancourt, director of the festival, commented that the first edition was held in August 2023, within the framework of one of the three dates on which International Cat Day is celebrated, more than 800 people attended and $900 was raised, funds that were allocated for the sterilization of 60 cats. For the first edition, Bethancourt explained that there were no clear objectives, they did not know what they were facing or if there really was a feline community in the country, but to their surprise there was good participation, since the place where the event was held was too small. Since then, a community has been created via social media that has grown stronger and will meet on September 1st at the Hotel Panama Convention Center from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm with two clear objectives: to raise funds to sterilize 100 cats and to find a home for the adult cats that will be found at an adoption fair that will be held within the festival. Tommy, a cat rescued from a colony in Arraiján, is the ambassador of the second edition of the festival. He was selected via social media and together with his cat Karen they have promoted the event and the work of the rescuers. On the day of the event, Tommy will be present, and the program includes activities such as contests, a catwalk for Mr. Panama Official, talks , an adoption fair, a symbolic birthday song for the cats that have been adopted, a bazaar, and much more. Tickets are on sale at www.enlataquilla.com for $7 plus service charges.
