This national holiday is observed every year on November 3rd, commemorating Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. It marks the country’s full emergence as an independent nation and is celebrated as Panama’s National Day.
Panama actually celebrates two independence-related holidays: November 28th, which commemorates independence from Spain in 1821, and November 3rd, which marks the separation from Colombia.
History of Separation Day
Before European colonization, Panama was home to several indigenous tribes. In the 16th century, Spanish settlers arrived, and from 1538 until 1821, Panama was administered as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru under Spanish rule.
On November 28th, 1821, Panama declared independence from Spain and joined the newly formed Republic of Gran Colombia, which also included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
Although this was Panama’s first step toward autonomy, its people continued to aspire for full sovereignty. The desire to separate from Colombia grew stronger after Ecuador and Venezuela left Gran Colombia in 1831, leaving Panama still tied to Bogotá’s authority.
By the early 20th century, tensions between Colombia and Panama had intensified, particularly over whether the United States should be permitted to build a canal across the isthmus. Backed by U.S. political and military support, Panama declared its independence on November 3rd, 1903, establishing itself as a sovereign state.
Construction of the Panama Canal was completed in 1914, transforming global trade routes. However, the surrounding Canal Zone remained under U.S. control until 1979, and full Panamanian sovereignty over the canal was only achieved on December 31st, 1999.
