Foundation of Panama Date: August 15
Foundation of Panama is a public holiday.
Republic of Panama better known as Panama is present on the isthmus joining North and South America. A flourishing business economy Panama celebrates its Foundation Day on the 15th of august each year. Pedro Arias de Avila discovered Panama La Vieja or Old Panama in the year 1519. Actually, 15th august is the combined anniversary celebration of both foundation of Panama Veija and the opening of the Panama Canal. At one such ceremony on function day a photo exhibition of Panama City photos in the 40s, 50s and 60s was inaugurated at the Casa de Gobernacion. It is the office of the Panama provincial governor. The chief guests of the function were Governor Irina Brown and IPAT director Liriola Pittí de Cordoba.
Foundation of Panama History
The relics of Old Panama are about two miles away from the present capital of the state, Panama City. An open park flaunts the remnants of walls and vaults refreshing the pomp of the first camp of the Spaniard on the Pacific Ocean. The sumptuous amount of gold coming from Peru, Chile and California lured cunning pirates to Panama’s water.
The city suffered the most when Henry Morgan plundered and raided the city in 1671. Panama’s governor soon commanded the power magazine burned and the entire city was lost in flames. Consequently, the capital had to be shifted to a new location leading to the foundation of Panama City in 1673. Among the leftovers in Old Panama are the cathedral with a huge bell-tower, Matadero Bridge, King’s Bridge and the Bishop’s House. These remains are World Heritage and their archaeological sites are being restored. An artisan’s bazaar filled with native’s handworks and a tiny restaurant is present just in front of the rubbles.
Foundation of Panama Traditions and Activities
The Panama Railroad Company was set up a year ahead of the discovery of the gold coin. However it could not start before 1855.There had been a great advantage and boost to the infrastructure and economy when the Panama Canal was constructed.
The most significant improvement was seen in health and sanitation. This was clearly visible since yellow fever and malaria were almost eradicated and a good quality water supply system was started. The benefits were however followed by disturbances. Since most of the workers were from West Indies, a sudden social and racial discrimination started growing in the city.
Panama City was the hub of international banking in Late 1970’s and 1980s which made it the worldwide money laundering pivot. In 1989, after a year long problem between Panama and U.S., General Manuel Noriega, the leader of Panama was deposed by George Bush, president of United States. However Panama City still remains a banking hub though there is little flow of cash.
Balboa earlier a part of the Panama Canal Zone was the Headquarter of the region. Nowadays tourism is considered as an important source of money collection in Panama. Panama is the fourth largest and also a rapidly flourishing economy in Central America. The scope of tourism is increasing at a rapid rate and as such it has become one of the most interesting and sought after tourist destinations in the world.
Other interesting posts:
- Panama Independence Day
- Panama Celebrates Flag Day
- Panama Celebrates Its Independence From Spain
- Ecuador Foundation of Cuenca
- Japan’s Celebration of National Foundation Day
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