Nov 03, 2018
Panama Independence Day 2018
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle honors Panama, the Central American country known as the bridge of the Americas due to its strategic location connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the recently expanded Panama Canal. On this date Panama declared independence from Gran Colombia — once composed of present-day Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The occasion is celebrated with parties and parades in the streets.
Independence Day is a festive time in Panama, with public processions featuring marching bands in the streets. Women dance in traditional folk costumes — polleras and tembleques — providing the event’s most iconic visual spectacle. The pollera is a loose, white dress adorned with colorful embroidery and sequins. The tembleque is a headdress made of gold and pearls. The outfit is completed with slippers to match the
pollera, gold chain necklaces, and earrings made of gold and coral.
There are actually five national holidays during November in Panama, each celebrated with marching bands and a similarly colorful street scenes. These fiestas patrias all mark important victories or patriotic achievements, making for an exuberant month-long celebration of Panamanian pride and independence.
Happy Independence Day, Panama!
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More