Independence Day in Panamá

INTRODUCTION: Panama is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates three independence dates.  The first one was on November 28, 1821.  On this date, Panama celebrates its independence from Spain, along with several other South American nations.  On November 3, 1903, Panama celebrates is independence from Colombia with the helping hand of the United States who was interested in signing a treaty with Panama to build a canal in the isthmus. 

History of indenpendence day in panama The first European to explore Panama was the Spaniard Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501. In 1502, Columbus claimed the region for Spain. In 1513, Vasco Nuñez de Balboa led soldiers across the isthmus and made the European discovery of the Pacific Ocean. Despite strong resistance by the Kuna Amerindians, the settlements of Nombre de Dios, San Sebastián, and, later, Portobelo were established on the Caribbean coast, while Panama City was founded on the Pacific coast. From the 16th until the mid-18th century, the isthmus was a strategic link in Spanish trade with the west coast of South America, especially the viceregal capital of Lima.After, Panama declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and joined the Republic of Gran Colombia, a short-lived union of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, founded in 1819. In 1826, it was the seat of the Pan American Conference called by the Liberator, Simón Bolívar.

Independence Panamá from Spain After achieving independence from Spain on November, 1821 Panama became a department of Colombia for the next eight years. The Gran Republic of Colombia was by then composed of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Panama federalist forces still tried to fight for Independence once again for Panama, and almost got it in 1831, also later between 1840 and 1841 a brief independent state was created, and finally during the Thousand Days War, which devastated Colombia and Panama. But still Panama was part of Colombia and no agreement was reached between Liberal Panama parties and Colombians.

Indepence Panama from Colombia In 1903, the United States and Colombia signed the Hay-Herran Treaty to end the construction of the Panama Canal, but the Colombian Congress did not pass the Treaty on August 12, 1903. Panamanians wanted the canal finished and were angered with the Colombians, so were the United States that decided to support the independent movement for Panama. A warship was sent to Panama to protect Panamanians from the Colombian armies, and in November 1903, Panama proclaimed its Independence from Colombia.

Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities Activities: Panama celebrates the Independence from Colombia with big parades in Panama City. In addiction, the tradition is mainly kept by schools who prepare themselves to parade on the streets all year long. Parents spend a lot of money instruments and uniforms for those in a marching band.

Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities Tradictions and customs: there are traditional folklore dancing in the streets, where both children and adults dress in traditional costumes, wearing a pollera and a montuno, and dance El Tamborito or El Atravesao, traditional dances.

parades Gigantic parade, and featuring marching units and drum and buggle corps of young people from all over Panama, along with girls dressed in traditional Panamanian costumes, and, of course, horses.  There are loads of people, no grey barricades, hardly any police, just people enjoying their freedom and celebrating together.

Independence Day in Panamá by zuleika montes and jairo ledezma