Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama

When did the Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama start?

The first recorded date of Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama being celebrated on August 15 was in the year 1519.

About Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama Holiday

The Foundation of Old Panama City, Panama, is celebrated each year on August 15. This national holiday is part of the celebrations of the Panama Canal itself, known as Panama Canal Day, and features a recreation of the original event which took place in 1519. The event is largely a celebration of the culture of Panama—the nation having been founded in 1519—and the festival highlights the country’s rich cultural history. During the festivities, traditional drum and mariachi bands often play, dancers wearing ethnic costumes perform, and vendors sell a variety of local products such as food and crafts. Many attendees also dress in their holiday best as a sign of respect and celebration of their country. Participants gather in front of the ruins of Panama Viejo, the oldest settlement on the Pacific coast of the New World, to mark the occasion. In addition to a colorful spectacle of festivities, speeches, readings, and performances also take place throughout the day.

The Foundation of Old Panama City, Panama, August 15th – Introduction

Every August 15th, the people of Panama celebrate the treasured holiday known as “Foundation Day,” or “Founding of the Old City of Panama.” The occasion marks the official date on which one of Latin America’s oldest settlements was founded, and is a day of reflection for Panamanians who reflect on the nation’s unique history. Every year citizens of Panama City gather to celebrate their national heritage through music, dance, food, and parades. This article will detail the historical background behind this holiday, as well as how it is celebrated in each country and city.

Historical Context

The Foundation of Old Panama City is said to date back to the year 1519, when Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa was the first European to set foot on the Pacific coast of the Americas. In 1672, a group of Spanish colonists led by Captain Antonio Tamarindo, arrived from Peru in search of gold. Eventually, the settlement of Panama was founded on August 15th of 1673, and it became a major trading port in the Caribbean. As one of the most important cities in Central America due to its strategic location, Old Panama City served as a major center of maritime trade and military fortification for the Spanish Empire. It was also one of the first cities in the world to have a railway connection, allowing for the transportation of goods and people from different locations.

The Founding of Old Panama City quickly became a popular national holiday in Panama, and it is celebrated with grand parades and other festivities throughout the country. It is an especially festive time in the capital city, where large crowds gather to celebrate the nation’s independence and its unique history.

Celebrations in Panama

Festivities for the Foundation of Old Panama City usually begin in the early morning hours and continue until late in the evening. The celebrations involve music, dancing, food, and parade floats that commemorate the nation’s past and present.

Major celebrations take place in the capital city of Panama City where a massive parade is held with marching bands, colorful floats, and dancers in traditional costumes. The parade route typically encompasses several important landmarks including the presidential palace, Plaza de Independencia, and the historic district of Old Panama City.

During the parade locals also take part in a balloon release to symbolize the spirit of freedom and independence in Panama. Finally, the festivities end with fireworks and music and dancing in the streets.

In rural parts of the nation, celebrations typically involve family gatherings, traditional recipes, and music and dancing. Traditional garb is often worn, and a variety of foods are served including tamales, empanadas, sopa de mondongo, and olla de carne.

Celebrations in Other Countries

The Foundation of Old Panama City is also celebrated in many other countries around the globe. In the United States, the occasion is marked by Panamanians living in cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. Festivities involve the traditional parade and balloon release, as well as music and dance performances showcasing the nation’s culture.

In Colombia, celebrations are held in the capital city of Bogotá, as well as in Medellín and other cities with large Panamanian populations. The celebration usually includes traditional dress, food, dance, and music.

In Ecuador, the holiday is celebrated with parades and special activities in the cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Ambato.

Conclusion

The Foundation of Old Panama City is an important holiday that commemorates the history and culture of Panama and its importance to Latin America. Every 15th of August, people of Panama and other countries come together to celebrate this very special occasion and to honor the nation’s history. From Panama City to Los Angeles, the day is filled with music, dance, food, and parades, all serving to remind us of the vibrant and unique culture of Panama.

How to Say "Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama" In Different Languages?