by Yvonne Bauche. on December 18, 2013. 1. Have you done any of these? Here are the top 10 things to know about Panamanian culture for anyone who plans to learn Spanish in Panama: Group of Habla Ya students enjoying a typical Panamanian meal at a local restaurant in Panama City. Arroz con Pollo made with chicken, rice, saffron, vegetables and small onions is a traditional food of Christmas in Panama. Panama, 1999. It's all about being immersed in the language within its culture! As the holiday season arrives, we at Few for Change figured we would share one of our favorite festive traditions in our latest post from the culture blog. During the four days preceding Ash Wednesday (which falls in February or March), towns throughout Panama revel in dancing, music, food, and drink. Spending December in Panama with its Spanish and American blend gives a chance to experience some alternative traditions to the usual North American Christmas fare. Panamanians like latin dances such as salsa, merengue or bachata but they also love their folklore. This and the tamales are pretty much requirements for festive dinners, and especially for Christmas. Panama’s New Years rituals and customs are both unique & interesting. Let’s take a look at some of the most extended Panamanian dances. For example, in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, it is called “Ponche”, in Puerto Rico, it is called a “Coquito” (with coconut cream added), in Chile, it is a “Cola de Mono” and in México it is known as “Rompope”. Below them is chicken with traditional Panamanian flavorings, and next to that is arroz con guandu (rice and pigeon peas). Panama’s most sizable festival is Carnaval. Ph.D. dissertation, University of … Here is the majority of our Christmas food. The Panamanian Problem: How the Reagan and Bush Administrations Dealt with the Noriega Regime, 1993. Christmas in Panama, like in most countries in the world is a time to share with family and friends doing good deeds, a time to give thanks for everything received during the year and recognizing Jesus in all the people in need. 1. Lots of singing, eating, drinking and fun surrounds the Christmas in Panama. Tamborito. On Christmas Eve, the last day of the posada, all the "inns" in the community are visited. Panama, as well as many of its neighbours has a large tradition of dancing and singing. 12 wishes for the New Year. They also say that the grapes will predict how your year will be. Christmas music includes songs called "gaitas" or "villancicos". As you eat each one, make a wish. Drolet, Patricia Lund. Diversity. Family gatherings and meals at Christmas and New Year in Panama are very similar. For instance, if your 2nd … Eat 12 grapes at midnight. The religion of Panama is predominantly Roman Catholic, so it is not uncommon for many of the country's holidays and festivals to have ties to the church. Christmas Panama style! Ron Ponche is popular during the Christmas holidays in Panama and in many other countries across Latin America. At the top of the table are the tamales, next to the green beans. The Tamborito is, no doubt about it, the king of folkloric dances. Shopping malls and restaurants are crowded for pretty much the whole month, and gift giving, Santa, and Christmas trees have all made their way into the local tradition. Christmas traditions in Panama PT 1. New Year's Eve in Panama is a night for celebrating the year past and preparing for the year to come. During Christmas and New Year Eve, the Albrook bus terminal in Panama City is packed with passengers travelling to celebrate the holidays with families across the bridge. Doggett, Scott. 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