+ What is Tribal Gathering like?

Tribal Gathering is like no other event on Earth. It is more than a festival, it is a place for the world to come together, where time is transcended, ancient and modern converge in symbiotic harmony, tribes share their precious ancestral wisdom as musicians call on the ethos of imagination. Interfaith dialogue blends with a rich heritage of esoteric wellness, creativity, alternative cultures, active participation and love. Ultimately it is where we welcome the divine spirt of dance. Tribal Gathering is a meeting point for indigenous communities from all over the world. It is a gathering of tribes, from the past and present, the regenerative transformational global community and whoever feels the call to join in the celebrations. It takes place every year over the full moon of March on the Caribbean coast of Panama.

+ Is Tribal Gathering eco-friendly?

Every aspect of the gatherings production addresses ecological solutions through a deep understanding of the surrounding habitats. 100% compost toilets, fresh filtered well water, majority of sustainably sourced bio-construction materials harvested within 2km of the site, plenty of food supplied by the local farmers and fishermen, off-grid power solutions and local labour initiatives bringing much needed employment into the region. With over a hundred workshops on a huge range of subjects from permaculture, health and body movement to community management philosophies and alternative financial systems. Tribal Gathering not only supports but actively promotes proactive change for the good of mankind and the planet.

+ What makes Tribal Gathering unique?

Tribal Gathering encourages cultural awareness by bringing Indigenous communities together and gathering a creative and Inspiring forum full of cultural diversities rarely seen anywhere in world. Tribal Gathering provides a space conducive to dialogue where tribal members can meet and share experiences, discover commonalities and find solutions to fulfill their needs. They share their knowledge and creativity with the world and actively partake in the construction and management of the event. They represent the beating heart of Tribal Gathering showing that while we are one we are also everything.

+ What about Tribal Gathering Schedule?

Tribal Gathering is divided into 2 parts (Indigenous Immersive and Dance Celebration). Participants can buy a pass to come to either of them, a combination of each or to the whole event. More info below:

Indigenous Immersive: 9- 17 March 2024 This section of Tribal Gathering is based more around the Indigenous tribes and their cultural exchange. Talks, conferences, workshops flow throughout. There is a huge selection of music on the Global Stage ranging from tribal bands to fat city DJ’s, open mics to some of the biggest names in music. There’s a Tribal Village area, with it’s tribal and artisan market, food vendors, Geohaven with its talks and presentations, Art huts for hands-on and crafty workshops, Sacred Fire, Wellness and Red tent and finally, The Carny with leading edge circus, sideshow curiosities and deep, raw, cabaret. It’s planned very much in accordance with the needs of the Indigenous communities, respecting the sanction of their sacred spaces.

Transition day: When the Indigenous activities have finished, there will be a transition day, where we will all come together to thank what has happened, integrate and prepare for what's to come. Transition day is on Monday, March 18th 2024.

Dance Celebration: March 18 - 25, 2024 Seven days of the most amazing Electronic Party in the Caribbean. Workshops will be more geared around sound and body movement. The carny will step up a gear or two and share in the rise in energy. It’s a time for pure fun, enjoyment of our self, inner and outer. It’s a time to celebrate our achievements of the previous week. It’s party time.

Global Dance: March 15 - 25, 2024 We have noticed over the past years a good amount of participants arriving to the event on the middle weekend and staying until the end, so they can fit better their available work holidays and enjoy both the tribal and the dance sides of the event. With this in mind, since 2019 we have added a new type of event pass to meet this demand. With this option you will be able to enjoy Indigenous and non-indigenous workshops, tribal and world fusion bands, electronic music, the carny, the fun, the music jams and much more.

GETTING TO TRIBAL GATHERING

+ How early can I arrive to TG?

Gates will open at 4pm on March 9th - Do not plan to arrive before this. The festival location is very very remote and if you come by public bus you will likely be on the last bus and not be able to get back. You will be turned away. It is best to travel early by bus on the 9th to arrive for gate opening.

+ What is the best way to get there?

The easiest, fastest and safest way to arrive is to take the shuttle directly from the airport to the festival site. There are usually two a day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, with more services added on the busy days. You can book your shuttle here

+ Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Panama?

Typically you do not require any vaccinations if you are traveling from North America or EU - However if traveling from some countries with high yellow fever risk like Colombia or Brazil you are required to have a yellow fever shot. This needs to be done at least 10 days before the departure date.

+ Do I need to obtain a visa before traveling to Panama?

For Europe and much of the Americas you will only receive a stamp in your passport on arrival. This usually allows you to stay between three and six months in Panama as long as you passport expiration date is later than that. You are limited to driving only for three months. Make sure you come with an exit ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the country.

+ Is there a parking area for vehicles near the gathering site?

Keeping with our policy of helping the local communities we have arranged secure paid parking for everyone in Playa Chiquita. All cars and vans can park there. The money collected from parking fees will go directly to the local community, helping them activate their local economy. Members of the Local Community safeguard and look after the Parking area. The final several kilometers of your journey is on a wide well maintained gravel track, just take it easy and you’ll have no issues.

Playa Chiquita is a very small quiet fishing village with just over 80 inhabitants. It has a bar and a couple of small living room shops. They are really nice people who are really looking forward to meeting and helping you all. Main gates are 1km up the road from the parking area. Locals with pickup trucks will be happy to help you with your bags should you require for a small tip. It’s then a 350 meter walk down our road to the beach.

+ When do I have to leave the Tribal Gathering site?

The program of activities finishes on Sunday March 24th at midnight. Everybody needs to be off site by Tuesday, March 26th @ 1pm so our crew can proceed to do the festival pack down and the after party preparations. Our cafes, bars and bakery will carry on serving during these 2 days whilst everybody leaves the event site. We appreciate your collaboration in leaving the site timely.

+ Where do attendees sleep during Tribal Gathering?

Tribal Gathering takes place in a remote jungle beach in the north coast of Panama. The road was built in recent years and there is no tourism in the area whatsoever so hotels and hostels are very scarce and not close to the festival site. The usual and preferred form of accommodation is CAMPING. When you purchase a ticket you gain access to camp anywhere you choose within the camping grounds of TG. There are camping areas right next to the beach and also shaded ones in the forest, surrounded by exotic fruit trees, several types of palms and cane with ample shade. Campsites are not assigned, so please set up in a space that works for you, while being respectful to those you are choosing to set up next to. Bring your camping gear and all the bedding and equipment you need to have a comfortable camping experience.

For those who want to travel light, we have available glamping and regular camping tents, air mattresses, tarps and hammocks that can be pre-booked online and are waiting for you on arrival. Glamping Tents are already set up and ready to enjoy as soon as you arrive. They are the most convenient option by far! Regular camping tents, air mattresses, hammocks and tarps need to be picked up at the Hub Services Desk on arrival and you have to set them up yourself. To guarantee availability, you can pre-book these accommodation options here. If still available, they can also be booked onsite at the Hub Services Desk, first come, first served basis.

+ Can I park a camper van or caravan at the festival?

All parking, including live aboards, will be at Playa Chiquita, a seaside village within a walking distance from the gathering. The local community there are well happy to host you. Please, arrange your parking fees with them and although we dont provide electricity or sanitary facilities for these vehicles, asking the neighbors you might get some help with this. Good practical advise would be to find a small solar rig and to come with your water tank full and your waste tanks empty!

+ Can I cook my own meals? Do you provide facilities for this?

There will be a basic communal kitchen with wood burning stoves available for use, but you will need to bring with you all the utensils, pots and pans you may need if you are intending to cook anything there. Please, respect the kitchen and clean after yourself. Don't bring bags full of supermarket items to the jungle. They produce an incredible amount of trash and by doing so you support the wealthy families of Panama instead of supporting the tribes, locals, like-minded vendors and tribal gathering team who make this extraordinary event possible. If you need to buy cooking ingredients use Nisla´s fruit & veg stall at Tribal Gathering food market or the local convenience store in Playa Chiquita, the little fishermen village at a walkingn distance down the beach. Supermarket items found during admission will be taken as a donation to the tribal kitchen.

+ Can I make a fire in my camp?

There is a strict no fire policy. We have a designated fire in the Global Village. These restrictions are for the safety of everyone, so please respect them. We want everyone at Tribal Gathering to feel safe in their campsites, day and night, for themselves and their children. The camping areas are only partially lit, so bring a flashlight.

+ Is it cold at night? How much bedding do I need?

It never really gets very cold at night, but a sheet or light weight sleeping bag is recommended, as well as a thin jacket or long sleeve shirt... especially if it's windy.

+ Are there showers and water taps? Is the water safe to drink?

There will be a washing facilities area with showers and taps. Showers are basic, but a real delight after days of dancing and playing in nature. Please, use only biodegradable soap and detergent. Tribal Gathering will provide attendees with hand made soap when they arrive (until stock is finished). There are also several sinks with antibacterial soap for hand washing near each toilet block. It's extremely important in the tropics, and even more so at a festival, to wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before you eat. This will keep you safe from uncomfortable tummy bugs and skin infections. Beautiful pure uv filtered drinking water from our well is available for free. Reusable water thermal bottles are for sale at the Tribal Gathering Bazaar.

+ Are there doctors/paramedics and life guard onsite? Any safety tips?

Yes! We have a team of doctors and paramedics with ambulance 24/7 and life guards during the daylight to keep you all safe. Bug repellent spray and sunscreen could be handy for you to bring but they will also be available for sale on site. Watch out for sunburn, most attendees come from winter locations and skin is very white and not ready for long exposure to strong tropical sun. Beware! With the lovely sea breeze may not feel too hot, but will still burn your skin. Keep out of the bushes and overgrown areas to avoid crossing paths with snakes, tarantulas or scorpions. It's a jungle out there!

+ Are toilets clean and sanitary?

Yes! We have pretty neat composting toilets that get emptied and cleaned several times a day so they are disinfected and kept from bad smells. We provide plenty of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and garbage bin in each toilet cubicle. There is also a row of hand washing sinks and antibacterial soap right outside. Its extremely important in the tropics, and even more so at a festival, to wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before you eat. This will keep you safe from uncomfortable tummy bugs and skin infections.

+ Can I buy food and drinks at the Gathering?

Tribal Gathering has a bar, several restaurants/cafes, a bakery/pizzeria, smoothie/juice bar, a chai shop and fruit&veg market stall. Meals styles will range from international cuisine, to local traditional "comida costeña" from the area. There will be a mix of meaty, veggie, raw and vegan. Most of our food is locally grown, reared etc. We ask that no supermarket food is bought on site as it lines the pockets of the already wealthy and brings with it a lot of rubbish. Groceries can be purchased at Nisla´s fruit & veg stall at Tribal Gathering food market or at the local convenience store in Playa Chiquita, the village nearby, at a walking distance down the beach. Villagers are friendly and in much need of the income, so its the best choice to source your food ingredients. With this produce in mind we provide a communal cooking area, with wood burning stoves, so bring your pots and pans if you wish. Beautiful pure uv filtered drinking water from our well is available for free and we sell bamboo water flasks at the Tribal Gathering Bazaar

+ Is there an ATM at the festival site or nearby?

Unfortunately, not. There is an ATM in the Police Station near Nombre de Dios aproximately 45 min drive away and another one in Portobelo (over 1h away), but often they are out of cash. The closest reliable ATM is in Sabanitas, more than 2 hours from the gathering, so please come prepared with ample cash for the duration of your stay.

+ Can I pay for food, drinks, services or market products with bank card or paypal?

During Tribal Gathering you will pay with the festival cashless payment system (prepaid "TG credit") for all the Hub Desk Services, food, drinks, wellness area private sessions and Tribal Gathering Bazaar (our charity shop onsite). You will also use TG credit on your bracelet to exchange it (at the Bazaar or the Hub) for Village Plata rfid-enabled coins and barcoded notes to use at the 3rd party market vendors (direct cash only accepted by tribes and blanket vendors).

There are different ways to top up your TG Credit account:

• At the TG LAB Online Store (with paypal or a bank card) from late February/early March. We highly recommend doing so before you arrive at TG, so you can come in with your pre-paid credit ready in your account and save the hassle of having to wait in line at the desk or wait for the potentially slower festival wifi to process the same purchase onsite.
• At the Hub Cash Desk onsite using your credit or debit card, paypal, yappy, nequi or cash. Opening hours are 7am to 10pm, then it opens for a minimum of 30 min when the last daily shuttle arrives, usually between midnight and 1am. If you forgot to top up before and you dont have access to online payment options, this is your chance to ensure you have credit througout the night.
• There will also be a terminal kiosk to check your current credit and self top-up online when the Hub is closed.

Please, note that the festival services can be booked and paid directly at the online Geo Store with paypal or credit card, before or during TG. TG Credit is only needed for these if you want to book them in person at the Hub Services Desk.

+ Can I use cash instead of TG Credit / Village Plata to pay for products or services onsite?

Cash is only accepted at the blanket and tribal vendors, nobody else is allowed to accept cash at the point of sale. Its mandatory all selling premises use the TG Credit System or Village Plata (in case of the 3rd party market vendors), as the only form of payment. Please, don't ask them to break the rules for you. If you see or hear about someone breaking these rules don't hesitate to report it at the Hub or the TG Bazaar. GeoParadise Charitable Fund receives a % of the gross sales coming via the TG Credit System, so when a cashier or vendor is selling to you directly for cash, is basically taking money away from the tribe's projects fund and immediate action needs to be taken to correct this. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

+ Is there internet / wifi / cell phone signal onsite?

There is WIFI service available for a cost in a designated area. There is also some cell phone coverage onsite. Nevertheless, we recommend to take this opportunity to relax and detox from connectivity and social media. Enjoy the present moment and real human interactions, social network posting can wait. :)

+ Is there a safe storage for my stuff?

We offer locker service at the Hub Service Desk. You can pre-purchase it online at the Geo TG Store or if still available, you can purchase it onsite at the Hub. We offer 3 different plans:

• "No access" (can only retrieve your item once when you are ready to leave)
• "Once-a-day Access" (can only retrieve your item once per day)
• "Unlimited Access" so you can come to the Hub desk and ask the volunteers working there to bring your belongings as many times as you need. Every move in and out will be registered and signed. Click here for the complete Terms and Conditions of this and other TG services.

+ Can I charge my electronic device onsite?

We offer charging of mobile devices, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices. You may pre purchase this service online or at the Hub. Cost for a full charge varies depending on the item size. You must provide the charger & cable. Click here for the complete Terms and Conditions of this and other TG services.

+ Can you tell me more about TG location and the services available in the area?

Tribal Gathering is in a very remote part of Panama on the Caribbean. Untouched beaches and landscapes, unique wildlife, flora and fauna. There are no services in villages around the event please come prepared. Nearest town with services is Sabanitas - just over 2 hours away. There are medical centers in Nombre de Dios and Portobelo and hospitals in the city of Colon. There is a petrol station in Miramar, 20 minutes from the festival location.

+ Is it safe to swim at the TG beach? What about surfing?

The festival site beach is perfect for bathing as it is beautifully protected from big waves by the reef in front of it. We ask that all guests swim in the lifeguard on duty area and adhere to any warning signs. The sea is very rough outside the designated safe areas. Although there are waves at the TG beach, we don't advise surfing on the reefs as it can damage these protected areas.

+ Are there lots of bugs onsite?

Bugs are not a huge issue here as its a windy area that time of the year. However we do recommend using bug repellent or citronella. Bug repelent will be available for sale onsite.

+ What is the weather like at TG?

Weather is generally very hot, sunny and humid. Please protect your skin from the sun! Even on cloudy days you can get a nasty sunburn. Sun cream and aloe vera is available in our Care Center and at the market.

+ Is there any chance it may rain?

Generally the weather at TG is lovely, but there is always the chance it may rain for short periods of time. Some years more than others... These can be intense downpours (tropical style) followed by lovely blue sky minutes later, so ensure your tent is waterproof and well zipped up and that you are not camped extremely close to the ocean. The ocean can be unpredictable. All in all, dont worry, rain is not gonna stop you from enjoying Tribal Gathering. It can even be a refreshing and pleasurable experience in a hot and sweaty day!

+ Workshops

Starting Sunday March 10th running through till the end of the program on Saturday 23th March. There will be many workshops throughout the event. Indigenous workshops run mainly until March 18th. All workshops are free besides those held as part of the Wellness area, which are more individually oriented, one on one or involve work in small groups..

+ Open Mic Sessions

We will have Open Mic's - please bring your instruments and get involved!

+ Wellness

There will be a multitude of Indigenous and non Indigenous practitioners and healers teaching and offering services such as massage, acupressure, sound healing, myofascial and much more. Private sessions are bookable on site for a cost at the Wellness Reception Desk. Please check the Wellness Therapies and Ceremonies offerings in our WellBeing binder which will be available at our reception. If you are a therapist or a Healer and interested in joining our workshops or wellness area, visit our Get Involve page and submit the application form for the area you’re interested in. Our application will be open until end of February 2024.

+ Sweat Lodges and Sacred Fire

Daily sweats with various Elders from different backgrounds. Please, sign up as a volunteer if you are interested to help in tending the sweats or setting up the temascal at the beggining of the Gathering. We also require Sacred Fire keepers, to help collect wood and maintain and tend the flame during the Gathering.

+ Art Huts

Each day there will be multiple cultural art workshops. Make your own flute, weave and dye fabric, bead bracelets, make chocolate and all kinds of things! These are all free!

+ TRIBAL AND ARTISAN MARKET

Tribal Gathering has a shop with goods like wooden cutlery, fans and different drinking cups, designed by our Crew. Also, every Indigenous Tribe brings their own unique handicraft art, so make sure to walk by our friends' shops to check their uniqueness and richness of Culture.

MUSIC

+ What kind of music will be played at TG?

The line up at Tribal Gathering offers a journey through time and space. Starting the week of with world music vibes and performances from our Tribal guests on the Global Stage, we will continue to build the vibes over the first week and weekend. Many incredible eclectic performances to check out. The Dance Celebration will take place from March 18th - 25th. The second stage will open on Tuesday 19th with a multitude of electronic psychedelic dance acts.