The Isthmus of Panama has been a source of several different forms for quite some time, separating both the world's two largest oceans, as well as North and South America. The Panamanian is: friendly, fun, tolerant, proud and eager to please, with a host of professional services directed towards the visitor.
European settlers, in particular the Spanish, arrived in Panama around 1501, which is marked by the historic period of Rodrigo de Bastidas and his arrival to the Caribbean Coast, which is known today as Kuna Yala. However, the most important and historic visit to Panama was the fourth journey of Admiral Cristobal Colon, after whom Panama's largest Atlantic port was named. Later Balboa followed, who would be the first to discover the short passage connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; Panama's currency was named after Balboa. This key route would soon serve as the America's most important transoceanic passageway.
It was this discovery that would not only serve as the foundation, but continue to shape the identity of the Panama people. The Spanish colony permitted the integration of the indigenous tribes, black African slaves and white Europeans, creating a very unique, special blend of cultures and physical characteristics. These distinct features are well represented throughout Panama, most notably among the creollos and mulattos. In fact, there is a commonly repeated expression, which when translated into English, reads "the best thing that the Spanish left on our soil were the mulattas". Their beauty and sensuality that results from the delicate union between blacks and whites is very noticeable.
Panama, due to the importance of it's narrow passage, was quickly converted into a major commercial capital, connecting Asia, America, Africa and Europe. On account of this intense commerce component, all of those who made the journey left reminiscence of their homeland, forging a distinct Panamanian way of life. From the continent of Africa arrived the slaves, while Asia brought sugar cane, mango, rice, and silk. The Europeans introduced the horse, bird, pig, wheat, and steel, while from America came potatoes, tomatoes, pineapple, and tons of precious metals. Soon afterwards, the English, Hollandaise and French discovered the richness of Panama, each depositing cultural expressions of their homeland.
The varied ethnic cultures and physical characteristics also generated folklore, combining African drums with European lyrics and guitar playing. Along the Caribbean coast one would encounter dances, accompanied by decorative costumes, paying homage their loved ones, or otherwise narrating the lurid conditions of the slaves. En Portobelo, the principal port of the Caribbean, one could witness the legendary fairs that grouped the commercial floats of the "Rio de la Plata", accompanied by European floats of products shuttled by mule. These events helped reaffirm the culture, hospitality and service oriented demeanor that is so typically Panamanian.
The gold rush in California ignited a new wave of worldwide commerce for those in search of this precious and rare metal, converting the Panamanian Ports into key terminals for international trade. With so much interest in California, Panama provided the shortest and most economical route between the east coast of the US and Europe. As millions arrived in search of gold, the idea of the first transcontinental railway gained strength. Soon afterwards, a US company contracted with the blacks from the Caribbean, Irish and Chinese in order to meet their labor needs. While significant in what the railway provided economically, of greater importance was the new ethnic elements that it contributed to the Panamanian experience, once again further diversifying the already rich, international populace. A new city soon replaced the colonial city of Portobelo as the principal Caribbean port. Originally known as Aspinwall, the name was later changed to Colon in honor of Admiral Cristobal Colon, this a result of Colombian protests.
Thereafter, Panama's fight continued to procure a national identity. Due to the involvement of the Colombian government, and US authorities who brought about the terms of the treaty which permitted them to construct and operate this important communication link, the Panamanian psyche began to slip. In the second half of the century, Panama began to develop a stronger social and political system, which helped refortify the Panamanian character. In addition, Panama City, in 1671, was moved to it's current location, to be surrounded by two famous communities: the city district of Barrio de San Felipe where Casco Viejo is located, and the suburb of Santa Ana. This was a proud and historic moment.
Panama continued maintaining it's importance for commercial routes and the need for a fresh water canal connecting the two oceans became a dominant issue. Thus, the French arrived at the turn of the century, with great conviction, to construct the canal, bringing with them a new wave of Italian, Hindu and Caribbean workers. As had always transpired in the past, this new wave of immigrants contributed greatly to the social fabric and development of the Panamanian identity. Unfortunately, however, their effort to build a canal came to a halt, overwhelmed by tropical sickness and the challenges associated with working in this raw, natural landscape. Upon departing, the French architecture remained as evidence of their efforts and involvement, most noticeably in the buildings, statues, and sculptures located in Casco Viejo; some of the names reminiscent of those times are Dutari, Betancout, De Roux, Lefevre, and Estripeaut.
Panama became an independent country in 1903, before which it was had been united with "Gran Colombia". In 1904, under the efforts of the United States, the canal was once again under extensive construction, and would be fully operational in 1914. The completion of the canal would once again convert Panama into a obligatory passage for those conducting international commerce.
A melting pot of races, with each one offering something distinct, in Panama one can find food and traditions of almost any country. Throughout Panama there exists many communities of foreigners, which have created important commercial exhibitions like the Colon Free Zone and the Banking District, where together they work Arabs, Panamanians, Jews, Americans, Chinese, Hindus, and Japanese, each with one thing in common; born in Panama.
Panama is a culture that has for hundreds
of years been forged in an Isthmus that has
served as a melting pot for races and a crossroads
for people from all over the world.