MANSO FEST 2026
On Saturday the 17th, under the tropical weather of Panama City, Manso Fest took place. This year marked the festival’s ninth edition, and unlike previous years, it was held at Aurora Soho Mall.
If you’re not familiar with it, Manso Fest is a festival created by the Panamanian band MD. Over the past nine years, it has hosted both local and international artists, becoming an important space for the country’s alternative music scene.
My first time attending the festival was in 2019, in a small venue in Casco Viejo. The second time was in 2020, when I was moshing to bands like Attica and Elefreak, watching a guy dressed as Pikachu dancing in the pit, and hanging out with friends. Sadly, that was my last time—until this year, when I had the honor of photographing the festival.
This year’s lineup:
I arrived at the festival around 2:30 p.m., just as Gore were finishing their set. Next up was Killing Juliette, the band that won the competition to play at Manso Fest. It was great to see how much people still love emo music—it always brings me back to the 2000s.
Distrito Olvidado followed, delivering melancholic songs many could relate to. Adrián y los Necios then took the stage with an amazing show full of groove and strong instrumentals. For fans of nu-metal and alt-metal, Fábula Sarcástica brought intense energy, cool riffs, and a powerful stage presence that heated up the night.
Distrito Olvidado at Manso Fest 2026.
Photo by Bia Jannuzzi.
NOMAT came next, the first international band of the evening, all the way from Costa Rica. If you’re into skate punk and Blink-182–style sounds, they’re definitely a band to check out.
For those who love old-school punk rock and releasing all their built-up energy, Caras de Hambre delivered exactly that. I could feel my energy draining as they played, while the crowd was absolutely ecstatic.
The second international act of the night was V for Volume from Colombia. With an Amyl and the Sniffers–inspired vibe and undeniable charisma, the band felt all the love the crowd gave them throughout the festival. We definitely want them back for a solo show.
V for Volume at Manso Fest 2026.
Photo by Bia Jannuzzi.
Ex-Novios at Manso Fest 2026.
Photo by Bia Jannuzzi.
My last concert of the night was TMV, and it was wild to see how excited everyone was for them. When you’re one of the most important bands in your country, the love and energy from the crowd are impossible to miss.
Once again, Manso Fest proved how important it is for the local music scene—giving space to new bands while showing that artists with years of experience are still essential to keeping the scene alive. It was a pleasure to capture moments, meet amazing people, and share the space with incredible photographers. Saturday was truly fun, and I’m already excited for next year.
You can check more photos of the festival at the Manso Fest 2026 album.
