Panama's path to sovereignty was a two-step process, first from Spain and later from Colombia. November commemorates both historic moments and the national identity that followed. November 3: Separation Day This is the big one! On November 3, 1903 , the Republic of Panama officially separated from Gran Colombia. Following years of neglect under Colombian rule and the refusal of the Colombian government to ratify the Hay-Herrán Treaty for the Panama Canal construction—a projec