SOCIETY

Culture Of Panama
The culture of Panama is an amalgamation of indigenous, European, and African
cultures.

Ruins of Panama Viejo near Panama City, Panama.

Panama is a Central-American country bordering Colombia and Costa Rica and is a

diverse country. The country is home to mestizo, mullato, Native American, Afro-
Panamanian, and white ethnicities that all have shaped the cultural landscape of the
country. Native Americans can be defined as having the real indigenous culture
which later morphed into hybrid forms after blending with African and European
cultures.
7. Social Beliefs And Customs
The social beliefs and customs practiced in Panama are drawn from ethnic
communities native to the country and those who came from different parts of the
world. While the country is embracing modernism and foreign social beliefs most of
which are practiced in the major cities, the traditional customs and beliefs are still
observed particularly in the rural regions of Panama.
6. Cuisine
The cuisine in Panama features a wide array of foods and is mostly inspired by the
diverse ethic cultures in the country. The local cuisine is comprised of a wide array
of delicacies which is a reflection of the diversity in Panama. The most common
ingredient in the local cuisine is corn, various types of meat, seafood, cassava
(locally known as Yuva), wheat, and plantains. Some of the common main meal
foods in Panama include the tortilla (particularly the maize-based tortilla) which is
popular thin unleavened bread.
Another common food in Panama is the Carimanola, a popular breakfast item all
over the country. The Carimanola is a cassava-based meat-pie which is usually
stuffed with ground meat and cheese. Another delicious meal popular in Panama is
the Roja Vieja which is made of shredded beef stewed with tomatoes and onions and
is usually served with rice. Of all the meals in Panama, the Tamale is perhaps the
meal with the longest history with the Tamale being prepared in Central America for
thousands of years. The tamale is a corn-based food with chicken, pork or onion
fillings usually prepared wrapped in banana leaves and is popularly served during
special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
5. Clothing
The popular attires donned by Panama residents range from modern, western-style
clothing such as jeans to traditional attire usually worn during special occasions.
The diversity in Panamanian attire is best portrayed in female clothing. The pollera
is one of the most popular traditional attire worn by women in Panama. The pollera
was introduced in Panama by the Spanish colonialists and is found in many Central-
American countries, and has distinct characteristics in Panama. The Pollera has a
sophisticated design with tailors spending months to make a single pollera dress.
July 22nd is celebrated annually in Panama as the Pollera Day, a testament to the
pollera’s great cultural significance in the country. The most popular traditional
attire for men is the formal montuno which features a camisilla (a long-sleeved shirt
with a closed collar), the Sombrero Pintao (a traditional hat made of straw), and
long, black trousers which is accessorized with a small bag known as
the Chacara and black and white shoes locally known as Chinelas. The more casual
traditional attire worn by Panamanian men is the montuno ocueno which is made
up of knee-length shorts known as chingo and a shirt locally known as cotonoa. The
montuno ocueno has beautiful embroidery which usually resembles animals or local
flowers.
4. Music And Dance
Panama’s music scene is made of both traditional genres as well as modern genres
(predominant in urban areas of the country). The original indigenous ethnic tribes
in Panama such as the Nobe Bugle, the Kunas, and the Teribes influenced the
traditional music. African slaves who settled in the region between the 16th century
and the 19th century also influenced the style, composition, and performance of
traditional music. One of the most popular traditional genres of music includes the
cumbia which was popular in the 19th century together with the pasillo and Danza
Salon dances. Another famous traditional dance is the tamborito that features male
and female dancers wearing costumes. The Congo is a traditional music genre
popular among Panamanians of African heritage, particularly in the Costa Arriba
region. Some of the modern music genres include calypso, salsa, soul, Reggae en
Espanol, and jazz. Reggae en Espanol is extremely popular among the youth and is
the originator of another famous music genre, reggaeton. Some renowned musicians
and dancers from Panama include award-winning Reggae en Espanol musician El
General who is one of the pioneers of the genre. Ruben Blades is a world-famous,
award-winning jazz musician and salsa performer from Panama.

FESTIVITY

The biggest festival of the year in Panama is the Carnaval de Las Tablas, a four-
day carnival which features singing and dancing and is held in all the principal
towns and cities. Originating in the 19th century, Carnaval de Las Tablas was
initially held by Calle Abajo and the Calle Arriba communities. The other main
annual festivals held in the country include the Festival de la Mejorana en
Guarare (held in September), the Fiestas Patrias (held in November), and
the Festival de Cristo Negro de Portobelo (held in October).
https://www.tvn-2.com/videos/noticias/Carnaval-Tablas-tunas_2_4906779337.html

Sport

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Panama and is a testament to the
influence of the United States on the country’s culture. Panama has produced
several international baseball players including Carlos Lee and Carlos Ruiz.
Another popular sport in the country is boxing with Panama producing
international boxing champions which include Roberto Duran who is widely
regarded as “one of the greatest boxers of the 20th century.”
Cumbia
The same as the Tamborito, the Cumbia is a mix of Hispanic and African
music and dances. It is known across Panama and, depending on the
region, it may be fully African (played mostly with drums) or fully
European (incorporating other instruments
https://youtu.be/eFnXHsLv7l4
Tamborito
The Tamborito is, no doubt about it, the king of folkloric dances. The
word itself means “small drum”. It comes from a mix of Hispanic and
African traditional dances. The rhythm is based on “Congos”, a folkloric
dance from the Province of Colon that was introduced by the African
slaves in the 16th Century.

The Tamborito is played with three small drums, one for the high tones,
one for the low tones and a caja, another one for the rhythm.
Pollera” 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, differiating itself from Spanish dress and other Latin American dresses of Spanish
origin

https://youtu.be/T4LWpXMjLZE

https://youtu.be/V92MCLRIfm4