Somos Panamá

Vibrant illustrations of time-honoured customs and life in Panama

“Serás, sin delirios vanos, unión de dos Continentes y abrazo de dos Océanos”

—A Panamá, Jerónimo De La Ossa (28 de abril de 1904)

Somos Panamá is my ongoing personal project—a collection of simple yet playful and vibrant illustrations showcasing time-honoured customs, interesting facts, and special festivities in Panama. The project aims to celebrate and introduce the beauty of my home country to the curious viewer.

These illustrations were prominently featured at The 50th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar 2017 in Thailand, where all proceeds generously contributed to charity. My heartfelt thanks to The Embassy of Panama in The Kingdom of Thailand for extending the kind invitation.

El Punto, the dance of Panama

El Punto is the epitome of grace and elegance in traditional Panamanian dance. With a specific composition performed by a single couple, the dance features intricate choreography, delicate moves of the arms and feet, and a sense of tranquility that sets it apart from other folk dances in Panama.

Panama's national dresses

These two iconic garments embody Panamanian’s history and artistic flair. Whether you don the graceful layers of the Pollera or the sleek lines of the Montuno, you'll feel the rhythm of traditional dances and the festive spirit of national celebrations come to life. Adorned with intricate details and crafted with time-honored techniques, these traditional pieces form together a stunning visual expression of the country's unique heritage, one that is sure to captivate and inspire.

La Pollera

La Pollera, the national dress of Panamanian women, is a stunning layered creation representing a cherished tradition passed down by artisans throughout the country. It takes up to a year to create, with each region putting its unique stamp on the design. Along with the Camisa and Pollerón, the dress is adorned with family heirlooms, such as the Tembleques and Mosquetas, handcrafted from pearls and gold and shaped like exquisite flora and fauna.

El Montuno

The Montuno, a traditional costume worn by male Panamanians during festivities and national celebrations, represents their pride in their cultural heritage and their deep connection to the country's traditions. This elegant attire consists of a white long-sleeved shirt with a closed neck (Camisilla), black long pants, a traditional hand-woven straw hat with black lines (Sombrero Pinta'o), a small bag hanging on the left side of the body (Chacara), and black and white shoes (Chinelas).

Etnias & Comarcas

Etnias and Comarcas are the diverse ethnic groups and autonomous regions in Panama. Despite facing many challenges over the years, they have persevered and continue to thrive. Their stories of resilience, strength, and determination serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of community, the importance of cultural heritage, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead when we work together towards a common goal.

Guna & Mola

The majority of Gunas live on small coconut islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama in the Guna Yala comarca. This archipelago has beautiful beaches, coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks, laid-back lifestyle, local traditions and crafts found in every direction. The Guna are famous for their bright colourful handmade textiles known as Molas which are used to make the blouses of the Guna women's national dress—the Dulemola.

Embera-Wounaan

Emberas live along the banks of rivers in the Darién province and Colombia. The distinctive black and red paint they use on their bodies is made from the jagua trees and achiote. This decorative paint lasts about 10-12 days and also protects them from mosquitoes and the sun. On special occasions, women wear silver necklaces and earrings made of old silver coins dated from the 19th century which are passed down from mother to daughter.

Ngäbe-Bugle

The Ngäbes have distinctive high cheekbones, full mouths, thick straight black hair, tanned skin and short stature. Women and girls in this Comarca wear a traditional brightly coloured hand-sown dress that reaches down to their ankles called “naguas”. The triangles and straight lines are inspired by the jagged shapes and vivid colours of the Ngäble-Bugle rivers, mountains and forests in Chiriquí.

Afroantillanos

Afroantillanos are the descendants of africans from The West Indies who began migrating to Panama to help build the railroad and the canal. Under French and American control, they worked and lived in appalling conditions. In spite of this, they’ve maintained a vibrant and distinct culture which has widely influenced Panamanian society. Streets in Bocas del Toro, Panama City and Colón are peppered with Jamaican slang. Their unique beliefs and customs continue to thrive. Heavily spiced Caribbean dishes permeate Panamanian cuisine and their introduction of jazz, calipso, soca and reggae are an indelible mark on the region.

Landmarks & Festivities

Discover Panama's diverse beauty through its iconic landmarks, from the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal to the pristine beaches of the San Blas Islands, lush cloud forests and breathtaking mountain views in the Chiriqui Highlands. Experience the rich culture at colorful festivals like the Carnival of Las Tablas. With so much to see and to do, Panama is waiting to be explored!