My first year in Panamá, November took me by surprise, from dry holidays at Super 99 to bank closures, I wasn’t ready for it. The truth is, Fiestas Patrias in Panamá is a time when the entire country bursts into a vibrant celebration of independence and national pride! Interestingly, Panamá actually celebrates not one, but two independence days, After all, Panamanians love a party! This year, I’m not only better prepared, I’m better informed. I thought I’d pass along the most important dates and tips for making the most of Fiestas Patrias too. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a proud Panamanian, get ready to wave that red, white, and blue flag as I uncover everything you need to know about Fiestas Patrias in Panama.
THE HISTORY BEHIND PANAMA’S FIESTAS PATRIAS
NOVEMBER 3RD – SEPARATION DAY
On November 3rd, Panamá celebrates its separation from Colombia. In 1821, after the long fought wars of independence in South America, Panamá sought refuge from Spanish rule and future attacks as part of La Gran Colombia. Consequently, Panamá languished for years under Colombian rule and yearned for more economic power and autonomy. In 1903, as negotiations between Colombia and the United States came to a head over the construction of the Panamá Canal, Panamá made a break declaring itself independent from Colombia with the support of the United States. Panamá quickly followed by establishing formal diplomatic relations with the US.
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NOVEMBER 4TH – FLAG DAY
Flag Day is celebrated on November 4th. María Ossa de Amador began working on Panamá’s new flag in the early days of November 1903. The white represents peace, while the blue represents the conservative party and red, the liberal party. The blue star is said to represent purity and honesty while the red represents authority and law. Together, they work in peace.
Parades typically fill the streets beginning on November 4th, with government entities, school, police and firehouse bands participating in the festivities. You can catch the parades on their traditional routes heading down Via España, Avenida Balboa or in Casco Viejo.
NOVEMBER 5TH – COLÓN DAY
Colón Day commemorates the consolidation of Panamá’s independence from Colombia. In the hours following Panamá’s declaration of independence from Colombia, there was fear that Colombia would overpower Panamá with its military might thus quashing their rebellion. In the end, the Colombian troops in Colón were plied with a gift of all the alcohol in town as they celebrated a traditional holiday. The Colombian troops were incapable of completing their planned march on Panamá City. The US marines arrived shortly afterward and sent them packing on their way back to Colombia.
NOVEMBER 10TH – “EL PRIMER GRITO DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE LA VILLA DE LOS SANTOS”
For nearly 300 years, Panamá was under Spanish rule, starting in 1538. On November 10th, 1821, a young woman by the name of Rufina Alfaro, led a group of Panamanians through the streets of Los Santos shouting, “viva la libtertad!” This was the first cry for independence from Spain or “El Primer Grito de Independencia de la Villa de Los Santos” After years of commercial restrictions and abuses by Spanish colonial governors, Panamanians were desperate to break free. Panamá made an appeal to Simón Bolívar and ultimately joined the newly formed Gran Colombia.
NOVEMBER 28TH – DÍA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA
Eighteen days later, on November 28th, Panamá became free of Spanish rule, but remained under the dominion of La Gran Colombia, which also included Ecuador and Venezuela at that time. Today, Panamanians commemorate this day as the second Independence Day during the month of November.
¡VIVA PANAMÁ!
Now that you know everything you need to know about Fiestas Patrias in Panamá, you’re ready make the most of this very special month.
As the fireworks light up the sky and the last notes of the national anthem fade away, you’ll find yourself caught up in the infectious spirit of Fiestas Patrias in Panamá. These celebrations aren’t just about remembering historical dates, they’re a testament to the vibrant culture and unwavering pride of the Panamanian people. So, as you pack away your red, white, and blue outfit for next year, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of this small but mighty nation. ¡Viva Panamá!