Panama’s culture is a blend of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish influences, which are expressed in its traditional arts and crafts, music, religion, sports, and cuisine. Panamanian music is popular throughout Latin America, and the country is known as well for its many festivals. Other aspects of traditional culture are well preserved, especially by the country’s Indian peoples. Panama is a cultural melting pot, adapting elements from a wide variety of sources and valuing innovation as much as the good things of the past.
Cultural milieu
The cosmopolitan urban culture near the canal contrasts with the rural culture of the savannas. The latter area, with its cattle ranches and horsemanship, is a centre of Hispanic tradition. Old folk songs and handicrafts are preserved there—for example, around the towns of Chitré and Las Tablas. Also culturally distinctive are the territories of the various Indian groups, each with its language and handicrafts, such as the bright smocks (molas) decorated with reverse appliqué panels worn by Kuna women and the netted carrying bags made by the Guaymí. The Kuna have a strong tradition of storytelling (oral literature), including epic poetry that—when written— can extend for hundreds or thousands of lines. Other areas of cultural interest include the Caribbean islands of Almirante Bay, with their Antillean customs.
Panama City’s Historic District is known for its colonial architecture, which dates to the 17th century. In 1997 the district was designated a World Heritage site, as were the old Caribbean coastal fortifications of Portobelo and San Lorenzo in 1980.
Daily life and social customs
Panama has adopted elements of food and culture from South and Central America, the Caribbean (including African influences), North America, Asia, and the Middle East. This is especially true in the areas near the canal where more than half the population lives. Caribbean influence is strongest along the northern coast and among the Afro-Panamanian population, many of whom are descended from English-speaking Caribbean families who came to build the canal. U.S. influence is strongest among the urban middle and upper classes; these groups typically speak English as well as Spanish, increasingly use the Internet and cell phones, have greater opportunities to travel abroad, and consume expensive goods brought in from abroad and sold in some of Latin America’s best-appointed shopping centres. Major economic and social inequalities persist, and most Panamanians in isolated rural areas continue to be poor and to have traditional lifestyles.
Panamanian food reflects the nation’s cosmopolitan background, particularly its Colombian, U.S., and Caribbean influences. Rice, beans, and corn are basic staples, and good use is made of seafood and tropical fruits and vegetables. Arroz con pollo and sancocho, two chicken dishes, are considered national favourites. Chiles and the herb culantro flavour many dishes. Also widespread are Panamanian versions of the seviche, tamales, and empanadas found throughout Latin America. Locally produced beers and rum are the most popular alcoholic beverages, but North American brands dominate the soft drink industry.
Popular entertainment is also a result of Panama’s multicultural heritage. Caribbean rhythms and North American rock are more popular than traditional Hispanic music. Mexican and Venezuelan telenovelas (soap operas) compete with American productions for the television audience.
The arts
Anthropologists and folklorists have published many Kuna stories and poems, in the process creating one of the best-documented bodies of Native American literature. Apart from Panama’s indigenous arts and oral traditions, few artistic achievements were produced in the region prior to independence in 1903. The themes of earlier works were mostly European or church-related. Some progress has been made in national expression since that time—by poets and fiction writers such as Gaspar Octavio Hernández, Ricardo Miró, and Gloria Guardia, among others—and there has been some international recognition of Panamanian artists. Panama’s larger cities are often visited by international musical and theatrical groups and by poets, sculptors, and other artists.
Music in Panama is a lively blend of many styles, including salsa, Cuban son, Colombian cumbia, Argentine tango, and Caribbean island ska, reggae, and soca. Common instruments are drums, castanets, bells, mejoranas (five-stringed guitarlike instruments), and flutes. One of Latin America’s best-known musicians is the Panamanian-born salsa singer and actor Rubén Blades, who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1994. The national dance, the tamborito (“little drum”), features couples moving to a combination of drumbeats.
Cultural institutions
Among the country’s cultural institutions are the Panamanian Art Institute (Panarte), the National Institute of Music, the National School of Music, the National School of Plastic Art, the National School of Dance, and the National School of Theatre. Also of note are the National Commission on Archaeology and Historic Monuments, the National Museum of Panama, and the Panamanian Academy of History. The National Institute of Culture promotes many types of events, including concerts, theatre, and art expositions.
FAQs
Panama is known for its joyful, music-rich religious festivals and for boisterous holidays such as its pre-Lenten Carnival, marked by dancing, drinking, and casting away care. Several municipalities sponsor Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivals, notably the small town of Villa de los Santos.
What is the traditional festival of Panama? ›
The Carnaval de Las Tablas is arguably one of the most famous and grandest cultural events in Panama, held annually over the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
What are some Panamanian traditions? ›
Festivals and Celebrations
- Panamanian Carnival. ...
- Festival de la Mejorana in Guararé ...
- Sea Fair in Bocas del Toro. ...
- Guna Yala's Mola Art. ...
- Emberá's Wood Carvings. ...
- Traditional Fishing and Agriculture. ...
- Corpus Christi Festival Dances.
Here is a listing of the most important official holidays that Panama celebrates: January 1 – New Year's Day. January 9 – Martyrs' Day (commemorating the 1964 riots over the sovereignity of the Panama Canal Zone) Carnival Monday and Tuesday – The Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (can be in March or April)
What is the music culture in Panama? ›
There are salsa, bachata, and even rock artists in the country. However, the most popular genre of music in the country is Reggae in spanish. Some of the most famous Reggae artists in Panama include: Kafu Banton, Eddy Lover, Nando Boom, Mach & Daddy, and Joey Montana.
What is a traditional festival? ›
Traditional festivals constitute a form of cultural activities, a spiritual product which the people have created and developed during the course of history.
What is the traditional dance of Panama called? ›
The Tamborito is the national song and dance of Panama. The dance is a romantic, couple's dance, often involving a small percussion ensemble, and in all versions; a female chorus.
Are Panamanians black or Hispanic? ›
The overwhelming majority of Panamanians are the product of varying degrees of admixture between European ethnic groups (predominantly Spaniards) with native Amerindians (who are indigenous to Panama's modern territory) and Black Africans.
What is the Panama Carnival? ›
Carnival is a popular cultural celebration that takes place in many countries around the world, and Panama is no exception. The event takes place annually and is celebrated over the 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday. For most of Panama, it is a family holiday.
What is Panama's cultural food? ›
Some of the most popular Panama food staples include rice and beans (often served together), plantains (both cooked and green), yuca (a type of cassava root), seafood dishes like ceviche or sancocho de pescado (a fish soup), and meats like chicken or pork.
In Panama, where it is considered the national dish, sancocho is a nostalgic panacea of poultry and produce. Before modern shipping methods, ingredients varied by regions within Panama – thus, each sancocho recipe was unique.
Is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Panama? ›
5 de Mayo is often a day confused with Mexican culture (they don't even really celebrate this day), or mainly as another day to get drunk, where bars serve taco & tequila specials. However, this day has significant importance in Panama City's history. Transport yourself back to the early 1900's in Panama City.
What is the indigenous culture of Panama? ›
The Indigenous Peoples of Panama
The seven Indigenous Peoples of Panama are the Ngäbe, the Buglé, the Guna, the Emberá, the Wounaan, the Bri bri, and the Naso Tjërdi. According to the 2010 census, they number 417,559 inhabitants or 12% of the total Panamanian population.
What is Panama most popular festival? ›
Panama's most sizable festival is Carnaval. During the four days preceding Ash Wednesday (which falls in February or March), towns throughout Panama revel in dancing, music, food, and drink. It's one of the largest—and rowdiest —festivals in Latin America.
Does Panama have any traditions? ›
Along with the Guna and the Ngäbe-Buglé tribes that inhabit the scenic Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro regions, the Emberá are known for their artistic handicrafts. Notable traditions that have survived into modern times include ancestral hunting, fishing, and the custom of living in elevated huts.
What is the traditional dress of Panama? ›
“Pollera”, as pictured above, is a traditional costume of Panama worn by women. It originally came from Spain during colonial times. It is basically a blouse and long skirt, which in Panama acquired its own characteristics, differentiating itself from Spanish dress and other Latin American dresses of Spanish origin.
Where is the Panama festival? ›
A Festival Called PANAMA is a three-day celebration of music and community, nestled in Lone Star Valley, NE lutruwita.
What is the Panama carnival? ›
Carnival is a popular cultural celebration that takes place in many countries around the world, and Panama is no exception. The event takes place annually and is celebrated over the 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday. For most of Panama, it is a family holiday.
Why is Panama Jazz Festival celebrated? ›
History. Perez founded the festival with the intent to improve people's lives through the shared experience of music. After almost 20 years, the Panama Jazz Festival has become a cultural tourism attraction with more than 500,000 people from various latitudes visiting.
Why does Panama celebrate Martyrs Day? ›
Martyrs' Day (Spanish: Día de los Mártires) is a Panamanian day of national mourning which commemorates the January 9, 1964 anti-American riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone.
