A Closer Look at Panama’s Culture and People

Several centuries after the Spanish arrival in Panama, the size of population in Panama did not fluctuate; it remained unchanged. The population of the native people of Panama continuously decreased in number because of disease and transfer of location. It is also during this period when Europeans brought African slaves as they start settling in the Panamanian region; however, there was marked increase of the population from 1850 to 1855. This period was the start of the Panama Railroad construction. From 1881 to 1914, immigrants started to settle in Panama. Most of these immigrants came from the West Indies; it was evident that they came to Panama in the hope to find employment and economic opportunities. Probably because they were anticipating the favorable progress that the construction of railroad and US and French canal projects will bring to Panama. The whole of the 20th century was marked by the arrival of immigrants coming from all parts of the world.  At present, the have been known as melting pots of different nationalities and ethnic affiliations. These cities serve as the home of people with differencities of Panamat origin and background.

From a 2.4 million population in 1990, the Panama population grew to 2,882,329 as estimated in 2002. The inhabitants gathered and occupied the land along the Panama Canal and the nearby cities. This population is comprised of the natives and immigrants of Panama. Today Panama’s population is continuously increasing and Panamanians and immigrants still consider Panama’s cities the place to reside. The need for better jobs, education, fast access to government services, and city attractiveness and value are some of the main reasons why they settle to live in these Panama cities. Panama City and San Miguelito are the largest cities in Panama. These cities and the other cities have not experienced major problems.

Panama Culture- A cultural mixture

Panama culture is the product of different cultures and traditions that sum up to create an authentic culture. The alliance of the native and European cultures combined to bring into existence a totally different culture. The homes in Panama are clear evidences showing diversified architectural culture. The homes of Kuna Indians are very much different from the homes constructed for the Swiss, Yugoslavian, German and American immigrants. Various immigrants carried with them the unique style that are observed and practiced in the countries where they originated.

Like architecture; wood carvings, pottery, cuisine and festival are some of the traditional products that is reflected by mixture of different cultures. Dance is considered a symbol of the diverse cultures that emerged in Panama. The different festivals are reflections of various races and ethnic backgrounds present in Panama. The world famous Panamanian carnival, which is held before Ash Wednesday is known for its procession. Band of singers along with beautiful women dressed in “Pollera” and full of gold jewelry adornment marching along the streets is a symbol of diversified mixture of ethnic customs and traditions. The “Pollera” is the typically beautiful dress of a Panamanian woman.

Traveling to Panama entitles you to feel the breeze of this beautiful country and at the same time witness the interesting Panama culture. Consult us if you are interested to experience a Panama travel.