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On August 15, we celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of the Foundation of Old Panama City. This date marks the founding of Panama City in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila. The city was a bustling hub for trade and commerce, connecting the East to the West through its strategic location along the Pacific coast. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this once great city and learn about its fascinating past. So let's raise our glasses to this important day in Panamanian history and appreciate all that it has brought to our world!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1519</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Panama City Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish Conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila founded Panama City, the first European city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1538</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Bishop Appointed</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tomás de Berlanga became the first bishop of Panama, fostering Catholicism in the country with his appointment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1619</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>City Wealth Accumulates</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this time, Panama City had become a crucial part of Spain’s empire due to its control over South America’s silver and gold).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1671</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pirate Sacks City</div><div class='timeline-text'>In a disastrous event, Pirate Henry Morgan sacked Panama City, forcing local authorities to relocate it to a safer location.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Panama Canal Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Panama Canal opened for operation, boosting trade and strengthening Panama City's strategic relevance in global commerce.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a walking tour of Old Panama City</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the historic streets and buildings of Old Panama City by taking a guided walking tour. You'll learn about the city's rich history and see some of its oldest and most iconic landmarks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check local event calendars for any festivals or celebrations happening in honor of the Foundation of Old Panama City. These events often feature traditional music, dance, food, and other cultural activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit museums and historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning about the history of Old Panama City by visiting museums and historical sites. These attractions offer a deeper understanding of the city's past and its significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Panamanian cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate the flavors of Old Panama City by trying out some traditional Panamanian dishes. From arroz con pollo to sancocho, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back to the community by participating in a service project. This is a great way to honor the history of Old Panama City and make a positive impact on the present and future of the city.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a historic landmark</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Foundation of Old Panama City serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. It was once a thriving port town and played an important role in the development of the Americas. Visiting this site allows us to connect with the past and appreciate its significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases beautiful architecture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The remains of the old foundations display stunning architectural details and techniques that were used during that time period. From arches to columns, visitors can admire the craftsmanship that went into creating these structures and imagine what life was like during their construction.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a great educational experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Foundation of Old Panama City is not only a tourist attraction but also serves as a learning opportunity for people of all ages. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the ancient city through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs. It's a fun and enriching experience for all.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Old Panama City was the Oldest European Settlement on the Pacific</h3><p class='facts-content'>Founded in 1519, Old Panama City, also named Panama Viejo, was the first European settlement along the Pacific coastline. This paved the way for further exploration and settlements in the area.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Foundation of Old Panama City Influenced the Global Trade Routes</h3><p class='facts-content'>By establishing a settlement on the Pacific coast, Spain effectively opened a new trade route linking Europe, Africa, and Asia. This transcended global commerce and trade during the period.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Old City Was Home to Impressive Fortifications</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its eventual fate under Pirate Henry Morgan's invasion, Old Panama City was known for its imposing defensive structures that protected the inhabitants and deterred maritime threats.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Old Panama City Had a Diverse Population</h3><p class='facts-content'>A multicultural hub due to its strategic location and role as an international trading post, Old Panama City was inhabited by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, including indigenous people, Spaniards, African slaves, and more.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The City Played a Role in the Construction of the Panama Canal</h3><p class='facts-content'>Old Panama City's remnants served as a reminder of Panama's historic significance as a connector between the continents. This significance was later immortalized with the construction of the Panama Canal in the 20th century.</p></div></div>
The Foundation of Old Panama City is celebrated on August 15 every year. In 2024, the Foundation of Old Panama City will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 15
Tuesday
2024
Aug 15
Thursday
2025
Aug 15
Friday
2026
Aug 15
Saturday
2027
Aug 15
Sunday
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