Panama marks two significant anniversaries on August 15th: Panama Viejo and the Panama Canal. In this article we take a look at these milestones.
Panama marks two significant anniversaries today: the 505th year since the founding of Panama Viejo and the 110th year since the opening of the Panama Canal. These events underscore the country’s long-standing role in global trade and cultural exchange.
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Panama Viejo Reaches 505 Years
Panama Viejo, also known as Panama La Vieja, was established on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila. Now an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the very first European settlement on the Pacific coast of Latin America.
The ruins of Panama Viejo include the remains of several significant structures. Visitors can see the foundations of the Royal House, Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, the Church and Convent of La Merced, the San Juan de Dios Hospital, and the Puente del Rey.
Panama Viejo served as a crucial point on the trans-isthmus trade route. Its strategic location made it an essential terminal for colonial trade between Europe and the Americas. The city’s prominence came to an end in 1671 when English pirate Henry Morgan led an invasion, resulting in its destruction. Following this event, the governor ordered the complete demolition of the city using explosives, and the population relocated to the area now known as Casco Viejo in Panama City.
Anniversary Celebrations
To commemorate the 505th anniversary, city officials have organized a series of events. The celebrations include a parade featuring school and independent bands, starting from the Panama Viejo Visitors Center and proceeding to the entrance of Costa del Este. On Saturday and Sunday, the archaeological site will host a cultural festival. Attendees can enjoy an entrepreneurs fair, cultural presentations, food stalls, and artistic exhibitions. Guided tours of the historic site will also be available, though spaces are limited.
¡Hoy celebramos 505 años de historia y patrimonio de Panamá la Vieja! 🎉🏛️
Declarado conjunto monumental histórico por la Ley Nº 91 de diciembre de 1976, y posteriormente modificado por la Ley Nº 16 de 22 de mayo de 2007. pic.twitter.com/2CZzI7NdW1
— Ministerio de Cultura (@MiCulturaPma) August 15, 2024
Panama Canal Marks 110 Years of Operation
Aside from Panama Viejo, Panama is also marking the 110th anniversary of the Panama Canal’s inauguration. The canal officially opened on August 15, 1914, with the passage of the steamship Ancón. This engineering marvel took a decade to construct and required an initial investment of $380 million.
The canal’s construction came at a significant human cost. Historical records indicate that over 20,000 workers lost their lives due to accidents and diseases during both the French and American construction periods.
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Engineering and Expansion
Operating through a system of locks, the Panama Canal essentially functions as a water elevator, raising ships 26 meters to the required level for crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For each vessel that transits the waterway, approximately 200 million liters of fresh water are released into the sea.
In 2016, the canal underwent a major expansion to accommodate larger vessels. This project allowed for the transit of Neopanamax ships, which can carry up to 20,000 containers, significantly increasing the canal’s capacity and global importance.
Today, the Panama Canal facilitates about 6% of world maritime trade. It connects more than 1,900 ports in 170 countries, with the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea being its largest users.
From Foreign Control to National Asset
The canal’s history is closely tied to Panama’s journey towards full sovereignty. On September 7, 1977, Panamanian leader General Omar Torrijos Herrera and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. These agreements paved the way for the transfer of the canal’s administration to Panama, a process that was completed at the end of 1999.
Recent challenges, including an intense drought attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, have forced the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to implement measures such as reducing the draft of vessels and decreasing daily crossings from 38 to 22. These restrictions are gradually being eased with the onset of the rainy season.
El #canaldepanama fue inaugurado el 15 de agosto de 1914 con el tránsito del vapor Ancón 🚢.
¡Hoy cumple 110 años! pic.twitter.com/7sOQHZW1ug
— Canal de Panamá (@canaldepanama) August 15, 2024
Highlighting Two Different Eras
The 505th anniversary of Panama Viejo and the 110th anniversary of the Panama Canal coincide to highlight two distinct eras of Panama’s history. Panama Viejo represents the country’s colonial past and early economic importance, while the Panama Canal symbolizes its modern role in global maritime trade.
These anniversaries serve as reminders of Panama’s long-standing position at the crossroads of international trade routes, from the colonial era to the present day.
