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Get ready to honor the brave and courageous martyrs of Panama on January 9 for Martyrs' Day! This national holiday commemorates the sacrifice of those who fought for Panama's independence from Colombia in 1963. It is a day to remember and pay tribute to their bravery and patriotism, as well as celebrate the country's sovereignty. On this day, people gather for parades, speeches, and other activities to honor the martyrs and reflect on the significance of their sacrifices. Join in on this special day filled with pride and unity for Panama!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1501</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of Panama</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas becomes the first European to explore Panama.</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, built and controlled by the United States, opens, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Panama Canal Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Eisenhower administration begins negotiations with Panama for a new treaty about the Canal's administration and future sovereignty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Martyrs' Day Protest</div><div class='timeline-text'>A protest by Panamanian students demanding sovereignty over the Canal Zone leads to confrontations that result in the deaths of 21 Panamanians and injuries to hundreds, marking the commemoration of Martyrs' Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Torrijos-Carter Treaties</div><div class='timeline-text'>Treaties signed between U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos agree to transfer the control of the Canal to Panama by 2000.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Panama Gets Full Control</div><div class='timeline-text'>Panama assumes full control of the Canal from the U.S., marking the end of foreign intervention in the Canal's management.</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'>Visit the Martyrs’ Monument</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to the Martyrs’ Monument in Panama City and pay your respects to the heroes who fought for Panama’s independence. Learn about their sacrifices and contributions to the country.</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 commemorative ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities and organizations hold ceremonies and events to honor the Martyrs’ Day. Attend one of these events to learn more about the holiday and its significance.</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'>Create a traditional Panamanian dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Martyrs’ Day by cooking up a traditional Panamanian dish, such as sancocho or arroz con pollo. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you will also connect with Panamanian culture and history.</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'>Watch a historical documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about Panama’s history and the events leading up to Martyrs’ Day by watching a documentary. This is a great way to educate yourself and reflect on the significance of the holiday.</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'>Organize a volunteer project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Honor the spirit of the Martyrs by organizing a volunteer project in your community. This is a great way to give back and make a positive impact, just like the Martyrs did for Panama.</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'>Honoring the fallen heroes of Panama's struggle for independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs' Day is a day to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in the fight for Panama's freedom from Spanish rule. It's a time to reflect on their sacrifice and how it has impacted our country today.</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'>Celebrating Panama's rich history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs' Day is also a day to celebrate Panama's unique and diverse heritage. Through honoring the martyrs, we recognize the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our country and its people, making us stronger and more resilient as a nation.</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'>Promoting patriotism and unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs' Day brings together people from all walks of life in remembrance and celebration. It serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all united as Panamanians and continue to strive for a better future for our country.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Martyrs' Day Commemorates a Historic Duel</h3><p class='facts-text'>On January 9, 1964, a conflict between Panamanian students and U.S. forces over the flying of the Panamanian flag in the Canal Zone led to widespread violence and the deaths of 21 Panamanians. This event marked a significant escalation in Panama's demand for sovereignty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Martyrs' Day marks the beginning of a decade-long struggle</h3><p class='facts-text'>The events of this day propelled Panama into a decade-long struggle for control over the U.S.-operated Panama Canal.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Internationally, it led to discussions about colonial boundaries</h3><p class='facts-text'>The events on Martyrs' Day pushed the international community to confront the question of how sovereign countries should manage colonial impositions within their borders.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Martyrs' Day is a national public holiday in Panama</h3><p class='facts-text'>Each year on January 9, Panamanians commemorate Martyrs' Day with ceremonies, speeches, and tributes to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The events of Martyrs' Day impacted U.S.-Latin American relations</h3><p class='facts-text'>The violence and deaths involved on Martyrs' Day had long-lasting impacts on U.S.-Latin American relations, shedding light on the tensions caused by U.S. presence in the region and leading to eventually granting Panama full sovereignty over the Canal Zone.</p></div></div>
Panama's Martyrs' Day is celebrated on January 9 every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Jan 9
Monday
2024
Jan 9
Tuesday
2025
Jan 9
Thursday
2026
Jan 9
Friday
2027
Jan 9
Saturday
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