The Five Key Dates: A Month of Sovereignty

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 project vital to Panamanian economic hopes—local leaders, with support from the U.S., declared full sovereignty. This bold move secured Panama's destiny as an independent nation.

    
    

• November 4: Flag Day (Día de la Bandera)

  • The day after independence, Panamanians celebrate their National Flag and National Symbols. The flag's design is deeply symbolic: blue for the Conservative Party, red for the Liberal Party, and white for the peace and purity between them. This day is a powerful display of unity and patriotism.

    
    

• November 5: Colón Day

  • This holiday marks the consolidation of the separation in the city of Colón. On November 5, 1903, the local population and revolutionary forces successfully prevented Colombian troops from advancing on Panama City, ensuring the newly declared independence was secured. (Note: Some may confuse this with Columbus Day, as Colón is the Spanish name for Columbus, but the national celebration is about the events of 1903).

    
    

• November 10: First Cry for Independence (Primer Grito de Independencia de la Villa de los Santos)

  • This day commemorates the initial uprising against Spain in the town of La Villa de Los Santos on November 10, 1821. This "first cry" for freedom was a key catalyst, sparking a wave of independence movements across the isthmus that eventually led to Panama's full separation from the Spanish Monarchy later that month.

    
    

• November 28: Independence Day from Spain

  • The month concludes with the celebration of Panama's Independence from Spain on November 28, 1821. Following the movement started in La Villa de Los Santos, Panama City declared itself a sovereign entity, choosing to join the newly formed Republic of Gran Colombia—a union that would last until the 1903 separation.

🎺 How Panamanians Celebrate

The early days of November are a feast for the senses, especially in Panama City, where the streets come alive.

• Parades & Music: On November 3rd and 4th, massive official parades fill the main thoroughfares, often closing major routes like Vía España and the historic Casco Viejo. Government entities, schools, police, and fire departments march proudly, accompanied by elaborate music bands in full dress uniform.

  
  

• The Dianas: The celebrations kick off precisely at midnight with the Firemen's Band playing "dianas," traditional celebratory music composed of bugles, trumpets, and drums. This is the classic Panamanian way to welcome a national holiday.

  
  

• Bridge Holidays: Because Panamanians don't want to miss a good party, they've perfected the "bridge holiday," sometimes shifting days off that fall on weekends or creating a long weekend! For November 2025:

  • November 3 (Monday), 4 (Tuesday), and 5 (Wednesday) create a multi-day celebration at the start of the month.

  • November 10 (Monday) creates a long weekend celebrating the "First Cry."

  • November 28 (Friday) gives you another three-day weekend to wrap up the month!

A trip in November offers a unique chance to witness the intense pride, vibrant colors, and deep historical reverence of the Panamanian people. Get ready to experience the Fiestas Patrias!

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