Most Panamanians come from a mix of Spanish and Indian heritage. Panama's culture is the result of its geographical location and history. The movement of people throughout the country's history created a melting pot of cultures that resulted in a unique and very diverse national identity. Panama links Central and South America and is a bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Geographically, it is part of Central America, but Panama's culture has been historically influenced by the Caribbean and South America.
Known as “the place of many fish”, Panama is a tropical paradise with beaches, rainforests and exotic animals, birds and marine life of incomparable beauty. Sometimes called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and transformed this country into an international trade center. In Panamanian culture, most Panamanian families do not have the cultural habit of eating together, all seated at the table. The cuisine of Panama, like that of many regions, consists of endemic ingredients that have been prepared in different styles affected by migration.
Present in Panama City, many locals outside the business community don't speak English, and Spanish here isn't exactly what you might have learned with an American education. From 1519 to 1538, the area that is now Panama was a base for soldiers sent to conquer Andean civilizations in South America. From 1578 to 1751, Panama was the seat of a Spanish royal court (court of chancellery), with Spanish lawyers and a governor or captain-general. Panama celebrates two days of independence, on November 3 in Colombia and on November 28 in Spain.
The Pacific coast, with the Azuero Peninsula extending south to define the Gulf of Panama, is longer than the Atlantic coast. DISTRACTIONS Not visiting the Panama Canal would be almost excessive, and the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is the closest place to do so. It is an autonomous legal entity that is exclusively responsible for the operation, administration, management, preservation, maintenance and modernization of the Panama Canal and its adjacent activities and related services so that the Canal can operate safely, continuously, efficiently and profitable*. The mostly Jewish, Italian and Arab businessmen in that area live in the skyscrapers of Panama City and travel daily in small planes.
Between 1568 and 1671 there were a series of pirate raids and, in 1671, Panama City was looted by buccaneers under their command. But while the Canal may have started it all, it's becoming something of an afterthought for both tourism and the future of business in the Panamanian capital today. This page will attempt to provide a brief summary of the different aspects of Panamanian culture, including folklore, cuisine, music, literature, sports and the cinema.
