Flag Day in Panama 2023: Date, History, Five Panama facts

Flag Day commemorates the formal secession of Panama from the Republic of Colombia on September 1, 1903. However, more awaits you on the holiday.

Panama Flag Day is observed annually on November 4 to mark the nation’s second formal emancipation from external powers. The fact that Panama observes two Independence Days sets it apart. For centuries, Panamanians have valiantly resisted colonization. Multiple powers—Spanish, Colombian, and subsequently American—have attempted to suppress the self-determination of the Panamanian people. Each time, the nation has emerged stronger.

Flag Day commemorates the formal secession of Panama from the Republic of Colombia on September 1, 1903. However, more awaits you on the holiday. November is a month of festivity in Panama. The nation celebrates for five consecutive days, with Flag Day occurring on the second day.

Background of Flag Day in Panama

Panama, similar to numerous Latin American nations, experienced centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Its strategic location was crucial to the Spanish ambitions for maritime trade and commerce.

Although the indigenous peoples of Panama grew increasingly dissatisfied, a complete revolution appeared improbable. The arrival of the winds of change came before the three centuries of Spanish rule. The impassioned appeals for resistance issued by Francisco De Miranda facilitated the liberation of Venezuela from Spanish colonial rule. A continent was motivated to fight for self-determination by his example. Significantly later, Simón Bolívar emerged as a cultural and political icon, assisting in the independence of Spanish-controlled Latin American colonies such as Panama.

Panamanian independence from Spain was demanded on November 10, 1821. On November 28, 1921, the nation was liberated from colonial domination following a phase of valiant resistance. A newborn Panama emerged. Still, the populace was concerned about potential future repercussions from Spain and sought additional assistance. Panama merged with the Republic of Greater Colombia in allegiance with former colonies.

Panama remained a republican territory of “Gran Colombia,” which also comprised Guayana, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, for a period of time. Eventually, at the beginning of the 20th century, Panama severed ties with Greater Colombia. Solidifying the decision was a desire for independence regarding the Panama Canal’s construction. Although the United States desired direct negotiations with Panama, Colombia was opposed to the idea of a treaty. In November 1903, with U.S. support, Panama proclaimed its independence from Colombia. The agreement granted absolute control of the Canal to the United States. As an exchange, the United States assured the new republic of its sovereignty.

Designed by Maria de la Ossa de Amador, the Panamanian flag was formally authorized on March 25, 1925. In collaboration with her sister-in-law and niece, she fabricated three duplicates of the flag. After Panama achieved its independence, each of these flags commenced to be flown. These initial three flags were mass-produced and distributed.

Five Panama facts that will astound you

Ancient Panamanian immigrants

Indigenous Chibchan, Chocoan, and Cueva peoples lived in Panama long before European colonists did.

A Spanish possession

Panama was a Spanish Empire colony for nearly three centuries, ever since 1513, when a Spanish explorer named Vasco Nunez de Balboa “claimed” it for their monarch.

The location where Coca-Cola first expanded internationally

When Coca-Cola was first distributed outside the United States, it was in Panama in 1906.

Location of the inaugural ocean-to-ocean flight

In 1913, Robert G. Fowler traversed Panama from ocean to ocean in a Fowler-Gage biplane.

A rainforest situated within a metropolis

Panama City is the only capital city in the world to contain a rainforest.