Panama

Panamanian Arts Panama has rich folk culture, which Panamanians at all levels of society enjoy. The country’s folk music reflects Spanish, West Indian, African, and even North American influences. The mejorana is a folk song probably imported from Spain in the eighteenth century. It can be either vocal or instrumental but is seldom used for dancing. The national folk dances are the tamborito and the cumbia. Couples perform the cumbia in a rotating circle …

…music of a sublime song. You see, roaring at your feet, two oceans Which give direction to your noble mission. On your flower-covered soil, Kissed by the warm breeze, Warlike clamour has ended And only brotherly love reigns. Ahead, with spade and stone-mason's hammer! To work, without more delay! In this way we shall be the honour and glory Of this fertile land of Columbus. Adopted in 1925 Words by JERÓNIMO DE LA OSSA (1847-1907)