Every August 15, Panama City commemorates its founding at the archaeological site of Panama La Vieja (Old Panama), the first Spanish city established on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Founded on August 15, 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila, the original city became a vital hub for the trade of gold and silver crossing the isthmus before it was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.
In 2026 the capital marks the 507th anniversary of its foundation with cultural activities, guided visits, exhibitions and commemorative events among the evocative stone ruins and the iconic cathedral tower - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The date is a proud celebration of Panamanian identity and the deep history of the isthmus.
Visitors can explore the ruins, the on-site museum and the surrounding park, making it both a civic celebration and a rewarding cultural outing in the heart of the modern capital.
