Colón Day in Panama

When did the Colón Day in Panama start?

The first recorded date of Colón Day in Panama being celebrated on November 5 was in the year 1903.

About Colón Day in Panama Holiday

Colón Day in Panama is a day that celebrates the importance of the city of Colón in the history of the country. Held annually on July 3rd, this holiday provides a time for Panamanians to honor the city and those who contributed to its development, from its earliest settlers in 1850 to the present day. It is a day of cultural events, celebrations, and outdoor activities.

Colón is located in Panama’s Caribbean coastline and was the first permanent European settlement in Panama, founded by settlers seeking to establish a port for the trading of goods. Today, it is a bustling city, filled with modern hotels, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Its port remains active, and Colón is an integral part of the national economy.

Colón Day is filled with festivities throughout the city. From art exhibitions to sports tournaments to live music performances, there is no shortage of exciting activities and events to attend. Locals and visitors alike come together to share in the experience, giving the city an energy that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you spend the day between locals and enjoying the sights and sounds, or participating in one of the many activities offered, Colón Day is an experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Colón Day in Panama

Colón Day, or Día de Colón, is an important holiday in Panama. The holiday is celebrated on October 12th of each year in the honor of Christopher Columbus, also known as Cristóbal Colón.

History and Origin

History books generally agree that Christopher Columbus first set foot in Central America on August 3rd, 1502, although historians are not completely sure he landed at the coast of Panama. In 1919, the Panamanian government declared October 12th to be a national holiday in honor of Columbus’ arrival in Panama. This date was chosen as the official holiday out of convenience rather than out of absolute knowledge of when Columbus actually set foot in Panama.

In 1941, the Colón Day holiday was officially renamed to “Día de la Raza” (Day of the Race) because the government felt that Columbus should be celebrated as the “discoverer of the Americas,” rather than the “discoverer of Panamá.” This holiday was celebrated on October 12th until 1968 when Panama was required to mark a 9 October holiday by the United Nations to acknowledge the discovery of the Americas in general. In 1983, it was decreed that the holiday would once again be celebrated on October 12th as Colón Day in Panama, and, in 1990, the holiday was declared a national holiday.

Significance and Meaning

The holiday is observed to remember and celebrate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Central American region. National pride is also highlighted, as it is a time to express one’s love for Panamanian culture. The holiday is seen as an opportunity to look back on history and reflect on the past and how it has shaped the present. Many feel that this holiday is one that should be celebrated and cherished as it serves as a reminder and celebration of the rich cultural history of Panama.

Traditions and Celebrations

The holiday is marked by a variety of events and festivities throughout Panama. La Raza and Colón Day is customarily celebrated with parades, street performances, and outdoor concerts. The parade includes folklore, traditional music, and marching bands, in honor of the country’s historical and cultural ancestry.

In addition to the Colón Day celebration, the holiday is also marked by some communities with religious observances. In certain towns and villages, masses are held in honor of Christopher Columbus, and many churches also feature special performances.

It is not uncommon for schools in Panama to include their own range of cultural activities and events in the weeks preceding the holiday. Commonly, these could include theatrical reenactments of Columbus’s voyage, or presentations on his life, as well as poetry readings and other performances.

Geographical Spread

Colón Day is most prominently celebrated in the more urbanized parts of Panama, especially in the larger cities such as Panama City, David, and Colón. Of course, smaller towns and rural areas also partake in the celebration in their own traditional ways. In the Caribbean provinces, groups often perform traditional Caribbean dances on the streets during the celebrations, complete with the sounds of the drums and tambourines.

Other states observe the day in their own way. Coclé and Veraguas celebrate with ‘mamarrachos’, which are colorful carnival chariots drawn by horses. Various ethnic groups use traditional drums and horns to perform music in the streets.

Modern Day Observations

In modern times, the holiday has evolved to become a time for families to get together for celebrations, and it is an occasion rife with patriotism. In addition to the traditional activities many families use the day as an opportunity to have family reunions and barbecues to celebrate the holiday.

In some larger cities such as Panama City, the holiday is even celebrated with large-scale events in sports stadiums, with concerts and displays of traditional music and dance, such as danza Panamá.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

1. Panamanian Flag’s Colors

The colors of the Panamanian flag are said to be inspired by the loden green fabric worn by the crew of Christopher Columbus.

2. Columbus’s Seal

The official seal of Christopher Columbus features a “IHC” monogram standing for “Jesus hominum salvator” (Jesus, savior of man).

3. Columbus Park in Panama City

The Columbus Park in Panama City is a popular gathering place for locals on Colón Day. The park was named after Christopher Columbus in 1840 after his burial remains were moved to the church.

4. Legacy of Christopher Columbus

The legacy of Colón is one of both pride and shame for Panama, as it is sometimes difficult to separate his accomplishments in finding and settling new land from his legacy of colonization and pillaging.

5. Columbus’s Tomb

The resting place of Christopher Columbus has been a matter of debate for a long time. Many assume that his remains are located in the Cathedral of Seville in Spain, but that isn’t the case. His remains are actually in two pieces, with a part located in Panama and another part located in the Dominican Republic.

Holiday Wishes

1. May the spirit of Christopher Columbus be with us during this celebration of his expedition and discovery.
2. May we remember the courage and bravery that we owe to our great explorer and national hero.
3. At this joyous occasion, let us appreciate and celebrate the cultural and historical heritage of our country.
4. May Colón Day bring us all fun and enjoyment and fill us with a sense of national pride.
5. Let us revel in the spirit and energy of this day by expressing our love for Panama and its people.

Holiday Messages

1. On Colón Day, let us take time to cherish and appreciate the unique culture and history of our country.
2. Let us all join hands in celebration of the beloved explorer Christopher Columbus who helped make Panama the wonderful country it is today.
3. Let us use this day to remember the resilience and courage of our people and their endurance throughout the struggles of history.
4. Celebrating Colón Day reminds us of the enduring connection between our past and present.
5. May this holiday bring us all joy and peace in the knowledge that we all form part of a greater Panamanian whole.

Holiday Quotes

1. “Christopher Columbus planted the seeds of the beginnings of America. On this day, we should celebrate life, courage, dreams, and the great potential found in each of us.” – Claire Heartsong
2. “On the return of Colón Day, let us express our pride and gratitude for the discovery of our great and beautiful nation.” – Luis de Mirando
3. “Honoring Christopher Columbus is a way for us to celebrate the beginning of our journey as a nation and to learn from the past.” – José de Hidalgo
4. “This day honors the courage and commitment of our beloved explorer, among many others who ventured into unknown territories and helped us understand our great world.” – Antonio Galotta
5. “Let us remember the journey of our nation and the struggles it had to undergo to reach the place it is today.” – Lucas Travalor

Other Popular Holiday Info

1. Colón Day, or Día de Colón, is also known as “Día de la Hispanidad” or “Day of Hispanic Heritage.”

2. One of the most anticipated events of the day is the traditional “jinking” of ships. The tradition dates back to 1989, when the Panamanian government honored the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discoveries by organizing a seafaring ceremony.

3. This holiday is unique in comparison to other Latin American countries, as it allows Panamanians to honor their Spanish heritage without alluding to the country’s colonial past.

4. For many, Colón Day is an opportunity to visit their local church and celebrate this special holiday with a mass.

5. Those observing the holiday are often encouraged to wear the traditional Panamanian cloth -pollera – to honor the holiday and to reconnect with their cultural identity.

In conclusion, Colón Day is a special holiday in Panama, deeply rooted with cultural significance and symbolic meaning. The holiday honors the legacy of Christopher Columbus and his expeditions. Every year, Panama celebrates “Colón Day” with parades, religious observances, concerts, and cultural activities. This holiday is an opportunity for citizens to celebrate national pride as they honor the past and look to the future.