Foundation of Old Panama City 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The Foundation of Old Panama City occurs annually on August 15. The holiday occurs on a Monday this year. The day commemorating the founding of Old Panama City is also known as Panama la Vieja Day. The day commemorates the establishment of the original Panama City, as its name suggests. Panamanians have the day off and spend it with their friends and families at home or attending one of the numerous parades or festivals that feature good times and plenty of food.

The background of Foundation of Old Panama City

Panama City was founded by Pedrarias Davila on August 15, 1519. It was the first European settlement established permanently on the Pacific Ocean. Due to its location and swift development, the Crown of Spain elevated it to the status of a city. It served as a conduit for Inca gold that was stolen and transported to Spain. The young city played a crucial role in further explorations of Peru and served as a launching point for expeditions into the country. The city of Panama flourished for many years. The burgeoning city was the epicentre of the gold and silver trade and became a critical hub for commerce between Latin America and the Philippines.

Before its unfortunate demise in 1671, Old Panama City was the crowning city of the region. The formidable metropolis was attacked by Henry Morgan, a Welsh pirate, and his 1,500 men. The invading forces readily defeated the city’s militia and terrorised Panama City. During the assault, the pirates nearly engulfed the city in flames as they wreaked havoc. Thousands perished as a result of the assault. In response, the Spanish governor ordered the city to be relocated further inland to prevent a similar assault from occurring again. Old Panama City’s ruins became a part of the new city’s suburbs as a result of its relocation and continuous expansion.

Today, Old Panama City is a town of ruins and memories that are open for affordable guided excursions and wandering. The structures that have endured time and weathering the best are the ruins of the church, convent, and several of the more opulent residences. Even though the old city is uninhabitable, it still generates an enormous quantity of tourism and revenue for Panama.

Foundation of Old Panama City Day: Wishes, Quotes, Messages, Greetings

FOUNDATION OF ACTIVITIES IN OLD PANAMA CITY

Participate in local celebrations

On public holidays in Panama, it is common to see festivals and demonstrations. Spend the day with friends or family savouring the festivities and sampling street food from local vendors.

Explore Old Panama City

Spend the day exploring the ruins of Old Panama City and taking in the area’s rich history. Be sure to bring food, water, and a picnic blanket because the walk is unexpectedly long! You may also call advance to determine the availability of golf carts.

Visit the museum.

If long walks in the great outdoors are not your notion of a good time, you might enjoy strolling through an air-conditioned history museum. Your trip will be more curated, and you won’t have to bring sunscreen! Cathedral structure is a structure from which to observe Old Panama City.

5 facts about Panama that will astound you

Only in Panama can you observe the sun emerge over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic Ocean.

Panama was the first country outside of the United States to distribute Coca-Cola in 1906.

Panama has more avian species than the United States as a whole.

In 1999, Panama elected Mireya Moscoso as its first female president.

The origin of the Panama hat is Ecuador, not Panama.

FOUNDATION OF OLD PANAMA CITY DATES