{"id":17321,"date":"2026-09-25T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=17321"},"modified":"2026-09-24T16:14:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T21:14:36","slug":"new-york-honors-panamanian-heritage-with-little-panama-way-designation-in-brooklyn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/business-economy\/new-york-honors-panamanian-heritage-with-little-panama-way-designation-in-brooklyn\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Honors Panamanian Heritage with “Little Panama Way” Designation in Brooklyn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New York City officially designated a section of Brooklyn as “Little Panama Way” on Thursday, cementing a lasting tribute to the New York<\/a> Panamanian heritage<\/a> that has shaped Crown Heights<\/a> for generations. President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino<\/a> and First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino attended the unveiling ceremony along Franklin Avenue, where new street signs now bear Panama’s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The designation follows the approval of bill No. A8904 in the New York State Assembly. A companion measure, Project S9429, is advancing through the State Senate to establish a formal Panamanian Cultural District spanning 22 blocks in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"New
Ultimately, the Little Panama Way designation marks a milestone for a diaspora that has contributed to New York City economy and culture while maintaining strong connections to Panama.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New York Panamanian<\/a> Heritage Anchored in Crown Heights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Community estimates place the Panamanian population in New York at around 50,000 people. For decades, families from Panama have settled in Crown Heights, opened restaurants and small businesses, and maintained cultural traditions that now define a distinct neighborhood identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulino acknowledged that legacy during the ceremony, pointing to the generations who built lives in Brooklyn while preserving their connection to Panama. He also credited local officials and community organizations for advancing the naming initiative through the legislative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Panamanian
Community estimates place the Panamanian population in New York at around 50,000 people.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cultural District Plans Expand Beyond Street Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The street designation is one part of a broader vision. The proposed 22-block cultural district would create a concentrated hub for Panamanian-owned businesses, restaurants, and cultural programming in Brooklyn. If the Senate bill passes, the area would receive formal recognition as the Panamanian Cultural District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During his remarks, Mulino encouraged Panamanian residents to visit their homeland with their families and to explore investment opportunities there. The invitation reflected a dual message of honoring roots abroad while strengthening ties back to Panama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varios tramos de la Avenida Franklin, en Crown Heights de Brooklyn – Nueva York, fueron designados oficialmente como: \u201cLittle Panam\u00e1 Way\u201d. #Noticiasradioreforma<\/a> Nota:\u27a1\ufe0fhttps:\/\/t.co\/uD3xqQ97ke<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/7Md8vMZdI1<\/a><\/p>— Radio Reforma \u00a1Se Oye\u00a1 (@reformaseoye) September 24, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>