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The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Panama

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The culture of Panama is a mixture of Spanish, African, Native American and North American traditions and influences. This blend of culture is evidently reflected in traditional products liked woodcarvings, ceremonial masks, pottery, architecture, cuisine and festivals. A unique culture in the country in some places inhabited in the past by Kuna Indians, who are known for molas, which are works of art by the women of the Central American Kuna tribe. These molas have several layers of cloth of varying colors, through an appliqué process.

With the traditional beliefs and practices maintained among the native American groups, dance is still the symbol of diverse cultures in the country. The tamborito, a Spanish dance, has the touch of American rhythms, themes and dance movements. Among the performances hosted by some cities of the country are the Reggae en Español, Cuban, Reggaeton, Kompa, Jazz, Salsa, Columbian, and Blues. Regional festivals are also held outside Panama City to feature local musicians and dancers. Rituals are performed mostly in places considered as holy in the country.

Panamanians often dress formally despite the tropical climate and are formal in dealing with the strangers but with minimum greeting behavior in public.

The country celebrates two Independence Days: the first on November 3 and the second on November 28, the days when they gained independence from Columbia and Spain, respectively.

Graphic arts education is supported by the school system while art galleries by commercial banks. The country’s literature has a number of writers of short stories, novels and poetry, and has produced a successful poet and novelist in the person of Rogelio Simon, who has gained international reputation in his fields of writing.