Panama

Panamanian Culture

Panama owns a cultural multiplicity that makes it unique in the region, one of the biggest contributors to this cultural richness is the constant presence of visitors from all parts of the world. The origin of this singular cultural mix is without a doubt the crossroads characteristic of the country. In addition, the intense connection of Panama with the sea makes it very similar to an island of the Caribbean.

Being a point of contact and a crossing site, this small strip of land is considered a true crucible of races. With almost 3 and a half million inhabitants, its population is compounded 67% of mestizos (amerindian with targets) and mulatos (white with black), 14% blacks, 10% whites, amerindian 6% (indigenous) and a 3% of people are from varied ethnic origins. This mixture is particularly rich, because although it comes from cultural origins and very diverse traditions, the mixture has been stimulated by the atmosphere of tolerance and harmony that always has reigned in the territory.

Although the free religious creed is respected, the population of the country mainly professes catholicism, this religion is deeply bound to the traditions and cultural expressions. In the interior of the country, for example, the greatest celebrations are related to diverse saints. These saints are even denominated as the owners of different towns. One of the greatest celebrations relating to cultural and catholic beliefs is the Carnival of Panama. The Carnival is a massive celebration of four days that precedes to the Cuaresma.

Also an Important part of the cultural wealth of the country are the traditions of the seven indigenous groups of Panama. These groups are based in semi-independent territories, in these territories they maintain the cheers and celebrations of their ancestral customs. These groups of indigenous origins cultivate music and dance traditions which date back many years, but their most appreciated cultural contribution are their abilities as masterful craftsmen. The artful pieces produced by some of these groups are true jewels, works of a great beauty produced by an art that has its roots in the pre-Columbian times. The Molas of the Kuna, chaquiras and chácaras of the Ngäbe, the miniatures of ivory palm and the baskets of the Emberá are of an unusual beauty.

Other many ethnic groups, of more recent arrival, complete the cultural enigma of Panama. Making it a warm and friendly place. The country has always been propulsive to the mixture of towns and cultures, which are then amalgamated here in a harmonic and dynamic way.

Etiquette and Customs

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette for beginning to eat. Do not begin eating until the host says, "Buen provecho!". Dining etiquette for utensils. The knife remains in the right hand, and the fork remains in the left. When the meal is finished, the knife and for are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate.

Dining etiquette for the place setting. The fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert. Always start from the outside and work your way in, course by course. There will be separate glasses provided at your setting for water, and white and red wine or beer (after-dinner drink glasses come out after dining). Dining etiquette for eating bread. Bread is placed on the rim of your main plate or on the table by you plate

Dining etiquette for your hands. When not holding utensils, your hands are expected to be visible above the table: this means you do not keep them in your lap; instead rest your wrists on top of the table (never your elbows). Dining etiquette for passing food. Pass all dishes to your left. Dining etiquette for eating salad. Never cut the lettuce in a salad: fold it with your knife and fork into a bundle that can be picked up with your fork. Any salad will usually be served after the main course.

Dining etiquette for eating. The most honored position is at the head of the table, with the most important guest seated immediately to the right of the host (women to the right of the host, and ment to the right of the hostess). IF there is a hosting couple, one will be at each end of the table.

Dining etiquette for the home. It is considered bad form to leave the dinner party or the table. At the table look for place cards, or wait until the host seats you.

Dining etiquette for paying the bill. Usually the one who does the inviting pays the bill. Sometimes other circumstances determine who pays (such as rank).

Dining etiquette for tipping. A 10 percent tip is usually sufficient in restaurants.

Dinner parties at homes of business people will usually be served by household help: do not invite them to join the meal, or comment on them.