Colón Day is a public holiday in Panama that is celebrated annually on November 5th. The day honors the day in 1903 when the citizens of the city of Colón rose against the Colombian troops in an effort to secure Panama's independence. This happened only a day before Panama's official separation from Colombia. This important event is considered a pivotal contribution to the success of Panama’s struggle for independence.
Colón Day is marked with parades and celebrations throughout Panama, most notably in the city of Colón. The festivities include traditional music and dance, people dressing in traditional attire, as well as political speeches and gatherings. Throughout the country, schools, businesses, and government offices are closed in observance of this day. The parades are a sight to behold as it showcases a blend of the country's history, culture, and pride.
However, in recent years, there have been controversies surrounding how Colón Day is celebrated. Some Panamanians argue that the holiday promotes a biased and Eurocentric narrative of the country's history, largely favoring the colonizers over the native people whose lands were taken. Despite the debate, it continues to be an important day in the Panamanian calendar, serving as a reminder of the country's struggle for autonomy and the important part the city of Colón played in it.