{"id":9261,"date":"2025-11-10T09:40:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T14:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=9261"},"modified":"2025-11-10T09:03:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T14:03:42","slug":"panama-commemorates-204-years-since-first-cry-for-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/events-culture\/panama-commemorates-204-years-since-first-cry-for-independence\/","title":{"rendered":"Panama Commemorates 204 Years Since First Cry for Independence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Panamanian President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino led national celebrations on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking the 204th anniversary of the First Cry of Independence of La Villa de Los Santos<\/a>. The civic ceremonies in the historic town honored the event that sparked Panama’s separation from Spanish rule. Official events began with the national flag raising at Rufina Alfaro Park.<\/p>\n

The annual commemoration recognizes the brave actions of Villa de Los Santos residents in 1821. Their initial declaration of freedom ultimately led to Panama’s full independence just weeks later. This year’s observance featured a significant military and civilian presence, underscoring the day’s enduring national importance.<\/p>\n

Official Ceremonies and Presidential Participation<\/h2>\n

President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino<\/a> personally placed a floral offering at the Bust of Liberty following the flag ceremony. He then joined the official delegation on a traditional walk from November 10 Avenue to Simon Bolivar Park. There, the president presided over a second flag raising ceremony, a central moment in the day’s protocol activities.<\/p>\n

“We are here to remember the courage of those who gave us a free homeland,” President Mulino stated during the proceedings. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The government delegation included cabinet ministers, local officials, and cultural representatives. Their coordinated movements between historic sites traced the path of the original independence leaders. This symbolic journey connected present-day Panama with its revolutionary past.<\/p>\n

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Villa de los Santos by Anny0863 – Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=51463381<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Traditional Parade and Special Honoree<\/h2>\n

Following the morning ceremonies, the schedule called for the traditional parade featuring at least 70 delegations. Marching bands, school groups, and cultural organizations from across the country were set to participate. The parade typically draws thousands of spectators lining the streets of the colonial town.<\/p>\n

Organizers selected Major League Baseball player Jos\u00e9 Caballero as the flag bearer for this year’s celebration. The Villa de Los Santos native currently plays for the New York Yankees. His designation as abanderado recognized both his athletic achievements and his local roots.<\/p>\n

Local media, including prensa panam, provided extensive coverage of the day’s events. Their reporting highlighted the seamless coordination between national and municipal authorities para este important national holiday.<\/p>\n