Experience the Music in Panamá: Folklore and Traditions

Panamá is the result of an encounter of cultures that came from every corner of the world, but there are 3 very marked identities that define our DNA. The influence of our Spanish ancestors in the folklore of the central provinces, that of our African grandparents creators of the Congo culture and that of our Afro-Antillean communities that define above all, Bocas del Toro.

Panamanian folklore

Visit the charming towns of Pedasí and Tonosí, to discover the cradle of Panamanian folklore. Visit the seamstresses and goldsmiths who make the traditional costumes. Admire all the work that goes into making a pollera and its complementary jewelry, find out why the process of making the pinta'o hat was named an Intangible Heritage of Humanity and buy your first cutarras.

The countryside, traditions and religion have a great weight for us, and we know how to celebrate them. Here the festivities are so important that even one of them, Corpus Christi, was declared a Heritage Site by UNESCO. Join the party, listen carefully to the different types of music and try to identify the saloma; another example of that perfect blend between our indigenous customs and Andalusian flamenco.

Congo Culture

Come to Portobelo and discover the Congo culture, declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A culture that tells the story of the African people's fight against the slavery that brought them to the American continent. Visit us and feel all the richness of Congo art in the museums and cultural centers. Experience their festivals, dance with the diablitos, and get to know the pollera conga and its queen. Share with the artisans in the workshops while they create works of art or compose songs to the sound of the drums.

Here religious traditions have their own personality, come to commemorate the Black Christ, attend a gospel mass, a congo or learn the wisdom of the Rastafarians. And, of course, don't forget to eat a good fried fish or other favorite of its cuisine.

Afro-Antillean Culture

Travel to Bocas and discover the Afro-Antillean culture, where African history predominates, but influenced by the colonies that conquered the Caribbean islands. Here the Spanish were never able to fully establish themselves, but Afro-descendants who arrived from the Antilles did. Bocas is history, music and flavor. Come and try its delicious cuisine,dance to the rhythm of reggae, dance hall or soca and follow the stories of the calipsonians.

Complete your experience in Old Bank, the most traditional town. Learn about the Guari Guari language, a mixture of local languages, English, Spanish and some French. If you visit us in May, don't miss the festivities of the month of black ethnicity at the Bastimentos fair and enjoy the Palo de Mayo dance.

You know, when you come to Panamá enjoy the architecture, gastronomy, dances and artistic representations with ancestral influences. Visit temples, streets and towns that will surprise you with their culture, always varied and rich.