Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo district hosted the annual Festival La Calle de los Sombreros this weekend. The event drew thousands of residents and tourists to celebrate local culture and the start of the summer season.
Organized by the Mayor’s Office of Panama, the festival transformed the iconic Casco Antiguo, Panama into a lively pedestrian corridor. Attendees enjoyed music, food, and crafts while organizers distributed 1,500 traditional Panamanian hats to the public.
A Cultural Reactivation in the Historic Center
This year’s festival served a dual purpose. It celebrated Panamanian heritage while formally reactivating the “Calle de los Sombreros” urban intervention. That colorful street installation first opened in January 2025. City officials say it has become a permanent cultural landmark within the San Felipe, Panama City district.
The mayor’s office views these events as crucial for boosting tourism and reinforcing local identity. They aim to dynamize public spaces across the capital.
“The Hat Street Festival represents our commitment to culture and our historic center,” said a spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office of Panama. [Translated from Spanish]
The official added that supporting such activities strengthens community ties. It also provides a platform for local artisans and performers to showcase their work.
Artisan Partnership Drives Festival’s Signature Gift
A key moment involved the distribution of 1,500 “sombreros pintados.” These are traditional, hand-painted hats. The private sector donated them with direct support from master artisan Aniel Beltrán.
Beltrán is the creator behind the renowned Guayacano Hat brand. His participation ensured the gifted hats met authentic craftsmanship standards. This partnership between municipal initiative and private enterprise defined the event’s success.
Beyond hat-giving, the festival offered a full sensory experience. Multiple stages featured live musical performances throughout the day. Dozens of vendors sold local cuisine and handmade crafts, creating a bustling market atmosphere. Guided tours allowed visitors to explore the nooks and history of the Casco Antiguo neighborhood.
“Seeing families, tourists, and locals sharing this space is the true objective,” the municipal spokesperson noted. [Translated from Spanish] “We are not just hosting a party. We are revitalizing a symbol of our city.”
The festival’s timing is strategic. It coincides with the beginning of the dry season, a peak period for tourism in Panama City. Officials hope the positive exposure encourages longer stays and deeper exploration of the capital’s historic core.
Establishing a Lasting Legacy
The reactivated Calle de los Sombreros is now a permanent fixture. It provides a colorful, photogenic backdrop for visitors year-round. This festival acts as its annual flagship celebration.
For local businesses in Casco Antiguo, the influx of thousands of people provides a significant economic lift. Restaurants, cafes, and shops reported excellent traffic throughout the event day.
City planners see this model as replicable. They intend to launch similar cultural interventions in other districts. The goal is to create a network of attractive, active public spaces that blend tradition with contemporary use.
The Mayor’s Office confirmed it will continue promoting this and similar cultural events. Their focus remains on driving tourism, strengthening local identity, and bringing sustainable vitality to the heart of the capital. The Hat Street Festival, with its unique blend of gift-giving and celebration, appears set to become a staple on Panama City’s cultural calendar.