November 3 Día de Seperacion de Colombia (Separation from Colombia)
November 4 Día de la Bandera (Flag Day)
November 5 Día de Colon (Colon Day)
November 10 Primer Grito de Los Santos (Uprising of Los Santos)
November 28 Día de la Independencia de España (Independence from Spain)
The Republic of Panama has an interesting history due to its unique geographic location. From the moment it was discovered by the 15th Century Spanish explorers, it was used as a transfer point for goods and people to get to the Pacific colonies of South America. Balboa, Pizarro and others mounted expeditions from Panama into the Pacific costs of South America. The goods passing through included sugar, cocoa, cotton, tobacco, hides, indigo, vanilla, pearls, salt, tin, copper and of course silver and gold. Enormous amounts of wealth passed through the isthmus coming from the southern Spanish controlled regions of what are now Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
At the time, the skinny strip of land separating the two oceans was considered part of New Granada and later Colombia. In the early 20th century when the US began to have an interest in creating an inter-oceanic canal, Panama was ultimately the chosen location. However, Colombia did not agree to the initial offers made by the US Government to construct a canal. They wanted more money and were not cooperating. So, with the help of the US owned trans-isthmus railroad, US Navy gunboats and local Panamanian legislators, the isthmus declared it’s independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. A year later, the building of the Canal had begun by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A truly heroic and glorious birth to the Republic of Panama.
After the Carter-Torrijos Panama Canal treaty was signed in 1977, the canal, infrastructure, military bases, and land were officially given to Panama in 1999. This, I believe, truly marks the beginning of modern Panamanian independence.
Today, Panamanians focus very little on the minor details of the Canal and a nearly century of US intervention when celebrating their independence. It is a celebration and expression of the Panamanian culture, ways of life and traditions. and drinking.
The typical Fiesta Patria includes official ceremonies, parades, live music, dances and music. and drinking.
Early in the mornings, government officials, institutions and local legislators have ceremonies with speeches and rituals, flags and applause. The general public does not have much of a stake in this and it passes quickly, into the more important and exciting part: parades.
The parades are very colorful, loud and exciting. Various groups, including schools, public and private institutions, government agencies, police, firemen, bands, children, ox and horses march from one side of the town to the other. Their outfits vary from traditional marching band attire (hats, gloves, boots, instrument & etc) to the traditional Panamanian pollera. These are Spanish influenced dresses that are often colorful and very pretty. Men wear the sombrero pintado and guayabera. On the sidelines, venders sell toys, sodas, snacks and street meat.
Later in the afternoon, live folklore and other traditional music is played. Then at night, there are the bailes. These dances have live music or DJs and are held in semi-open aired, covered venues. The style of music is typico and people from all ages attend.
Volunteers all live in the interior and outside the metropolis that is Panama City. Here in the provinces, traditions are strong and upheld. A lot of people who live and work in the city come out and see their families and friends for the celebrations. In the province of Chiriquí, where I am now living, there is a very strong Latino culture that is focused mainly on agriculture. The provincial capital of David is the heart of the commerce, government and trade. However, the soul of the province truly lies within the people of the smaller towns throughout. While not as grand or impressive, their fiestas patrias are just as exciting and meaningful. They teach about the past, bring communities together and are something for Panamanians to be proud of.
Post Script. The indigenous communities of Panama also celebrate las patrias, although in a different manner. The Ngabes I lived with for two years held canoe races, volleyball games and various competitions with the school children. The village leaders and the teachers at the small school organized the events and prepared for weeks. While the activities were different the feeling was just the same.
Sack racing!
Announcing the victors
Prepping the feast; Everyone eats!
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