Portobelo is a place full of traditions rich in history and art. Songs, music, theater and painting narrate the struggle of an African people enslaved in America, who never forgot their roots nor completely adapted to their new reality. Be bold and walk through its streets with different eyes and get to know the Congo culture with these 8 unforgettable plans.
1. Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory
Visit the historic Customs building which, since its recent renovation, is home to the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory. Over 3 rooms you will learn about the history of the enslaved, their struggle and liberation processes, the development of their society and the economic impact of the Afro people throughout the centuries. This is all aimed to understand the importance of cultural heritage that Afro-descendants have left in Portobelo and the world.
2. Congo Culture House
The Congo Culture House is the ideal place to learn and appreciate this culture. It has historical interpretation areas, art gallery, workshops, restaurant, school and supportive lodging. Visit the Congo Culture House to participate in its activities:
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Painting class: For around $80 USD, you can take a painting class of ninety minutes with a talented local artist to create your own piece of Congo art to take home as a souvenir.
- Percussion class: Discover the rhythm inside you with this Congo drum class. For only approximately $50 USD, you can sit down with a local expert and discover unique and exciting rhythms.
3. Portobelo Workshop
In the Art Workshop you can see Congo artists while they do their work. They will teach you the main painting techniques and their mirror and shiny ornaments inlays in addition to their colorful wood carvings. They will let you play their “snare drums” and do some percussion on them. You can also buy some of their works directly from them.
4. Mama Ari, the Cimarrona
Get to know Portobelo with an exclusive look, from the hand of Mama Ari, also called la Cimarrona or Mama Guada. On her specialized tours you will learn the history of Portobelo while you walk through its streets and discover the charm of the Congo culture. Let yourself be carried away for an hour on an unparalleled journey with a wise woman who’s an expert in her culture.
The tour covers the forts, the Plaza Mayor, the Customs Museum and the Casa Congo Gallery, for approximately $25 USD per person.
Celebrate the Congo Culture
The best way to get to know and immerse yourself in the Congo culture is, without a doubt, by participating in one of its festivals. During these festivals, Portobelo is filled with colors, rhythms, sounds and flavors that will leave you speechless. Dare to stop by Portobelo and move your hips to the rhythm of the drums.
From January 20 until Ash Wednesday, every Saturday the devils and the Congo take to the streets of Portobelo to commemorate its history and cultural heritage. Although they are not very frequent and the calendar can change, if you keep an eye on social networks, you will be able to know when the devils will take over the town.
5. Devils and Congo Festival
Although the Festival has only been established for 20 years, the tradition it represents originated in colonial times and remains alive to this day. The Festival takes place every 2 years over 15 days after Easter.
Come and experience it up close, walk the streets of Portobelo with bare feet to celebrate, together with its people, centuries of liberation. Of course, be careful not to fall into one of the games of the Congo, who on those days have a license to do all kinds of mischief.
6. The Pollera Congo Festival
The center of this celebration is the Congo Queen, the guardian of culture and traditions. These days of dance and music are a tribute to the women who have kept the community's customs alive. During the Festival you will be able to see the spectacular outfit of the queen and her court: a colorful patchwork skirt, along with a crown decorated with local elements. This Festival takes place every 2 years, 15 days after Easter.
If you visit us during this beautiful celebration, be sure to see the pollera’s parade, where more than 500 women participate in traditional attire. Stay by the sea so you don't miss the water parade. You will see a series of pangas (boats) decorated with colorful ribbons that leave from the port to Fort Santiago la Gloria. Don't leave without dancing, along with the women, to the most sensual hip dance of Panamanian traditions.
7. Congo Mass
On the last Sunday of each month, the faithful dress in ceremonial costumes and sing traditional songs. The music, dance and mass create a unique spiritual experience that transports you to African ancestors.
The masses are open to the public willing to live a different Sunday, with respect, with a desire to learn and honor ancient traditions. Tourists who live this experience enjoy religious songs and see a different side of this culture.
8. Black Christ
In the church of San Felipe, where the Congo Mass takes place, you’ll find the religious figure most revered by the citizens of Portobelo. We’re talking about the Black Christ, a dark wood carving that arrived from Spain during the colonial era, whose origin is surrounded by legends. Faith in the Black Christ surpasses the borders of the town and even of all of Panamá, as every year hundreds of pilgrims dressed in purple tunics come to pay homage to him.
Every year, on October 15, the image is taken out of the temple and carried through the town in a procession of penitents who move from side to side to the rhythm of the music while taking four steps forward and three steps back.
Dare to have the Congo experience at its maximum splendor. Explore its history, its characters and its symbols. Empathize through art and share an incredible afternoon with the Congo of Portobelo to take home an unforgettable memory.