Panama's Culture

https://www.embassyofpanama.org/culture

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 highly diverse and unique national identity.

There are elements in the folklore of the central provinces that were highly influenced by the Spanish colonizers, such as the national dress "The Pollera" and the golden jewellery that is worn with the outfit. The northern province of Colon was very influenced by its large number of Afro-Antillean descendants that brought some of their customs into the local culture, as in the "Congo Queen" dance and colourful Caribbean outfits. Elements of the local indigenous communities, the original inhabitants of the isthmus, can also still be seen in the country's idioms and traditions, and in their most traditional sense within the indigenous territories. The process of cultural assimilation continues to this day, with every new group of migrants contributing to the melting pot in their own unique way.

This page will attempt to offer a brief summary of the different aspects of Panama's culture, including its folklore, gastronomy, music, literature, sports and cinema. For more information we welcome you to visit the tourism page: www.visitpanama.com or the page of the National Cultural Institute (Instituto Nacional de la Cultura, INAC) at http://www.inac.gob.pa/

FolkLore

Panama's national outfit is the Gala Pollera and the Montuno. These originated in the central provinces of the country. The outfit consists of a handmade skirt and shirt, they come in all colours and designs. Here are some images of the pollera and the jewellery that is worn with it: the combs, necklaces and tembleques.

Gastronomy

Panama's gastronomy, like that of many regions, consists of endemic ingredients that have been prepared in different styles affected by migration. Some of Panama's main dishes include rice and chicken (arroz con pollo), sancocho (a chicken soup with endemic roots), ceviche (fish cooked with lemon, common to other countries of the region). Some common desserts include "huevitos de leche", "cocadas" and "suspiros".
Panama city was voted as UNESCO creative gastronomic city in 2017.

There is also a growing craft beer scene in the country. You can start your tour by reading this article: https://www.travelpulse.com/opinions/blog/where-to-begin-your-craft-beer-tour-of-panama.html#.W-xr-oq02tI.twitter

Music

Panamanian music has undergone many transformations throughout the years. There are salsa, bachata, and even rock artists in the country. However, the most popular genre of music in the country is Reggae in Spanish. Some of the most famous Reggae artists in Panama include: Kafu Banton, Eddy Lover, Nando Boom, Mach & Daddy, and Joey Montana.

Ruben Blades

Danilo Perez

Other renowned Panamanian artists in different genres include grammy award winning Ruben Blades, jazz player Danilo Perez, Los Rabanes and Carlos Eleta Almaran. We also have famous music producers, like Erika Ender who was one of the writers of the hit song "Despacito".

Los Rabanes

Erika Ender