Flag Day in Panama – November 4, 2024

History of Flag Day in Panama

Like several Latin American countries, Panama saw centuries of Spanish colonization. Its strategic location was vital for Spanish trade and commerce ambitions across the seas.

Panama’s indigenous peoples grew increasingly unhappy but a full-blown revolution seemed far-fetched. Three hundred years under Spanish rule passed before the winds of change arrived. Francisco De Miranda’s rousing calls for resistance paved the way for Venezuela’s liberation from Spanish rule. He inspired an entire continent to fight for self-determination. Much later, Simón Bolívar became a cultural and political icon, helping Latin American colonies like Panama become independent from Spain.

On November 10, 1821, the Panamanians called for independence from Spain. After a period of brave fighting, the country became free of colonial rule on November 28, 1921. A new Panama was born. Yet, the people worried about future repercussions from Spain and looked for further support. Panama allied with former colonies and joined the Republic of Greater Colombia.

For some years, Panama remained a part of ‘Gran Colombia’ — a republic that included countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Guayana. In the early 20th century, Panama eventually broke ties with Greater Colombia. At the decision’s core was a desire for autonomy over the Panama Canal construction. The U.S. wanted to negotiate with Panama directly, but Colombia opposed any possible treaty. Backed by the U.S., Panama declared independence from Colombia in November 1903. The agreement gave the U.S. complete control over the Canal. In return, the U.S. guaranteed the sovereignty of the new republic.

The Panamanian flag was designed by Maria de la Ossa de Amador and adopted on March 25th, 1925. She worked alongside her sister-in-law and niece to create three copies of the flag. When Panama gained its independence, all of these flags were flown. These first three flags were reproduced and dispersed widely.