Panama City and Culture

The culture of Panama derived from the cultures of Indigenous peoples of Panama, art and traditions, as well as African Culture that were brought over by the Spanish to Panama. 

Tradition in Panama

The noteworthy aspects of the society and culture of Panama are reflected in the food, music, dances, languages and religions of the country. Cuna, a famous tribe in Panama, is known for its matriarchal societies and closely-packed communities. 

The different provinces in Panama believe in their own unique folklores. Roman Catholicism is the religion followed by the masses in Panama. 

The religious devotion of El Cristo Negro (Black Christ) of Portobelo is one of the most popular in the Republic of Panama. According to tales about El Cristo Negro it arrived in the tiny community of Portobelo on Panama’s Caribbean coast circa of 1658. But the stories of miracles surrounding the eight-foot wooden statue of the Black Christ are enough to overwhelm the village with tens of thousands of pilgrims every October 21.

The present day music of Panama has been influenced, first by the Cuevas Gunas or Kunas, Teribes, Ngöbe–Buglé and other indigenous populations, since the 16th century by the European musical traditions, specially those from the Iberian Peninsula, and then by the black population who were brought over.

With this heritage, Panama has a rich and diverse music history, and important contributions to Cumbia, Saloma, Pasillo, Punto, Tamborito, Mejorana, Bolero, Jazz, Salsa, Reggae, Calypso, Rock and other musical genres.