During the week from August 11th through the 16th many activities are carried out in commemoration of the 489 years of the foundation of the City of Panama. Many foreigners and nationals alike visit the Monumental Historic Complex of Panama Viejo (Old Panama).

The Monumental Historic Complex of Panama Viejo is made up pre-Hispanic historic remains and the ruins of the old city of Panama (1519-1671), the first city was founded on the Pacific shores of the American continent, currently considered Patrimony of Humanity.

The “Plaza Mayor” (Major or Grand Plaza)

The ruins of Panama La Vieja (Old Panama) has the “Plaza Mayor” (Major or Grand Plaza), which approximately measures 69 x 57 meters, 3900 square meters in other words. The “Plaza Mayor” had an irregular shape and on three of its four sides it had loft type houses with doorways. It is worth mentioning that this plaza was an activity center for social, economic, political, religious and cultural events of the City of Panama.

Panama La Vieja has a Visitors’ Center, with a museum; here you will be able to appreciate of the large village showing the prolonged human occupation in the pace of Panama Viejo during different historic moments. Within the museum there are several archeological pieces that have been found during excavations that have been carried out in this zone.

Activities Calendar

AUGUST 12TH - 14TH;  presentation of characters representing the inhabitants of the old City of Panama, in the Museo de Sitio.

AUGUST 13TH -  “History Day” starting at 9:00 a.m., in the Museo de Sitio, learn about the history of Panama.

AUGUST 14TH - gymkana didactic activity carried out by the Juan B. sosa and Sara Sotillo Schools, where they teach the city’s history with a treasure hunt. Place: “Plaza Mayor”.

AUGUST 15TH - presentation of the theatrical group “La Peregrina”, beginning at 4:00 p.m., leaving the convent, following the length of the complex, and finishing at the “Plaza Mayor”. The parade is organized by the Town Council of Parque Lefevre, with the participation of the children who are members of the Soccer League of the “Patronato Panama Viejo” – Kiwanis Club.

AUGUST 16TH - soccer tournament in the “Patronato Panama Viejo” soccer field with the “La Amistad” league organized by the Kiwanis Club of Panama, which has children with ages ranging between 4 and 15 years old.