Colón Day – November 5, 2022, history, significance
Colón Day, celebrated on November 5 every year, is one of the many festivities held in Panama to commemorate the month of independence. A national celebration known as Colón Day celebrates Colombian forces for their support of Panama’s separation and is named after the city of Colon in that nation. During these three days of festivities, there are a ton of concerts, festivals, big parades, and fireworks displays.
HISTORY OF COLÓN DAY
Colón Day is an occasion to commemorate that tragic day in 1903 when the residents of Colon City had successfully mediated with the Colombian army. Colombia asked its forces to invade Panama after it declared independence. On November 5, 1903, the Colon residents were successful in convincing the Colombian troops stationed there to forgo attacking Panama City. Without this activity, the Colombian military might have increased its military superiority and crushed the independence movement.
The history of Panama’s independence from Colombia is related to the commemoration of Colón Day. The U.S. assisted Panama in separating from Colombia, but Colombia did not want to acknowledge Panama’s independence. On November 3, 1903, Panama formally declared independence, but the conflict continued.
Colombia’s government gave the Army the command to advance on Panama City. The Panamanians had to hold their stand in Colon, a crucial location near the Caribbean Sea, on November 3, 1903. The government of Panama made a gallant effort to dissuade the Army of Colombia from taking part during the time that Panama and Colombia got divided. This day is seen as a turning moment in Panamanian history because of fruitful debates.
Colón Day is also a variation of Columbus Day celebrated in Panama. Columbus only visited Navy Bay, the island where Colon is situated; he did not discover the city itself. The prospectors gave the metropolis the name ‘Colon’ in honor of Christopher Columbus, Cristobal Colón, because of the California gold rush.
COLÓN DAY TIMELINE
1502
The Initial Spanish Contact
During his exploration of Panama, Rodrigo de Bastidas meets locals.
1519
Spain Captures Panama
The Spanish establish control over Panama and names it New Granada.
1821
Panama Gains Independence
Panama wins its freedom from Spain but later joins a confederacy that includes Colombia.
1830
Panama Unites With Colombia
After the confederacy disintegrates, Panama and Colombia unite to form a single nation.
COLÓN DAY ACTIVITIES
Visit Panama
You should consider going to Panama, especially in November. There are numerous historical events and occasions to remember heroic achievements.
Participate in the parades and festivals
There are numerous fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and festivals. You are welcome to participate in these celebrations and take full advantage of the local delights.
Explore the native cuisines
If you love coffee, the Boquete region is where the best coffee is grown, thanks to unique microclimates, making it an ideal place to travel to and enjoy. You should try ‘Sancocho,’ a beloved dish served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Panama and is enjoyed in many other Latin American nations.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PANAMA
There’s a rainforest in the city
Panama City is the only capital in the world whose boundaries include a rainforest.
It celebrates independence twice
The first Independence Day was in 1821 from Spain, and the second was in 1903 from Colombia.
The Panama hats
The Panama Hat comes from Ecuador in South America, not from Panama.
Panama’s currency
Panama was the first nation in Latin America to adopt the U.S. dollar as its own.
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a trench dug across the entire country.
WHY WE LOVE COLÓN DAY
They are basketball lovers
The most popular sport in the country is baseball, just like in the U.S. They are obsessed with it. One of the best things to do in Panama is to attend a live baseball game.
Its a nation of two seasons
Only two main seasons exist in Panama. The dry season, which begins in December and lasts through the end of April, is summer for the locals. The remaining seasons are the winter, which lasts from April to December, and the wet season, also known as the green season.
It has the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is arguably one of the most impressive engineering achievements humankind has ever accomplished. Its sheer scale paints a stunning picture of human endurance, tenacity, and achievement.
