Policies of Memories and Commemorations in Colombian Panama

Abstract

In Colombia, in the last decades of the 19th Century, some policies of memories were institutionalized. These policies   recognized the commemoration of dates that are important part of the past of that country: July 20th, Independence of Colombia, November 11th, Independence of Cartagena, and November 28th in Panama. Those policies were due to the visión of nation that liberals as well as conservators attempted to carve out. They promoted national state project since the 60`s. This study emphasizes on the commemorations in the Estate or Department of Panama. The importance of november 28th is highlighted as a key day that reinforced the panamanian separatism during the ninetennth century. The unveiling and projects of monuments became another mechanism those policies of memory. Their promoters intended to remember the foundational Myth of Panama: World’s Transit Nation, and others to keep alive the memory of virtuous panamanians whose examples were to be followed. Some were materialized on spaces in Panama City and others were not undertaken.