Shout in Villa de los Santos in Panama

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Shout in Villa de los Santos: A Celebration of Panamanian Independence

Every year on the 10th of November, the Shout in Villa de los Santos, a day with a monumental significance in the history of Panama's independence from Spain, is one of the main attractions of the country. The event, which is celebrated with zeal and national pride, is so much a part of Panamanian culture and festivities that one cannot imagine the country without it.

Historical Significance

The Shout in Villa de los Santos has its roots in the event of November 10, 1821, when the quiet town of La Villa de Los Santos, situated in the Azuero Peninsula, became the center of the fight for freedom of Panama from Spain. The residents of this town, a small but brave group, declared their freedom from Spain and thus, by the actions of these handful of people, the movement was set in motion that would eventually lead to the complete independence of Panama. The call of the people, known as "grito," is regarded as the first call for independence in the region, which gives Villa de los Santos the status of a symbolic birthplace of Panamanian freedom.

Adherence and Festivity

Celebration Date

The Shout in Villa de los Santos is celebrated every year on the 10th of November. This event is a public holiday in Panama, and it is celebrated with great joy and pride of the nation.

Festive Activities

The festival in Villa de los Santos takes the form of a colorful and lively representation of the Panamanian culture and the love for the country. The day has started with a big parade of the traditional costumes accompanied by folk music and dances that have the power to remind the audience of the roots of the Panama identity. Schools and community organizations are enthusiastically involved, and they are the ones who bring the atmosphere of drums and tamboritos—the typical percussion instruments of Panamanian music.

Among parades, the various artistic performances take place which introduce the country's glorious heritage in folklore, dance, and music. The streets throughout the festival are occupied by street vendors, who are selling typical Panamanian gastronomic dishes like sancocho, empanadas, and arroz con pollo, thus inviting the participants of the festival to savor the nation's culinary delights.

Status of Public Services

Most of the public institutions, including schools and banks, are closed on the 10th of November as a sign of respect for the holiday. In addition, the museums and cultural institutions usually keep their doors open and offer special events and exhibitions that not only raise the historical context and cultural importance of the Shout in Villa de los Santos, but also attract visitors.

Becoming a National Holiday

The Shout in Villa de los Santos becoming a national holiday signifies its great importance as part of the nation's history. At first, the event was only celebrated by the inhabitants of Villa de los Santos but slowly gained momentum and turned into a nationwide celebration, thus representing the independence spirit and the whole Panamanian identity.

In today's world, the officials, public figures, and citizens of Panama unite every year in Villa de los Santos to remember and give respect to the famous independence. The speeches and the ceremonies bring back the memory of the courage of those who opened the door for Panama’s freedom, thus maintaining the timelessness of their cause.

Conclusion

The Shout in Villa de los Santos is not only a holiday in Panama but rather a recognition of freedom, bravery, and the country’s cultural identity. The yearly lively events that accompany this public holiday are a reminder of the strength and solidarity that were needed to win and hold onto independence. By looking back at the historical sources of this celebration, the people of Panama are remembering their past, making the most of their present, and passing on their legacy to the future.

Learn more about the fascinating cultural heritage and historical public holidays of Panama by going through our detailed blog series on the public holidays of Panama.