Primer Grito de Independencia in Panama

History and meaning

The Grito de La Villa took place on November 10, 1821, in what is now La Villa de Los Santos. Panama’s independence process from Spain began with this event and reached its culmination on November 28, 1821. The November 10 holiday therefore commemorates an early step in that process, rather than the final declaration.[1]

A public holiday under Panamanian law

Panama’s Labour Code lists November 10 among the mandatory rest days for national holidays. If the date falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a mandatory weekly rest day; if it coincides with an employee’s other mandatory weekly rest day, the employee is entitled to a substitute day that week.[2]

Employees who work on a national holiday are entitled to the statutory holiday-work premium. The Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development explains that November’s national holidays, including November 10, are mandatory rest days and that work on them is paid with a 150 percent premium over ordinary wages.[3]

How the date is observed

Civic and folkloric events are documented in local observances. For example, a La Chorrera municipal decree describes patriotic parades and a folkloric procession for November 10, and sets out a route between Parque 10 de Noviembre and the La Chorrera fairgrounds. Plans can differ by municipality, so visitors should check local announcements for event details.[4]

The historical focus remains La Villa de Los Santos, the place associated with the 1821 Grito. Panama’s Supreme Court describes the Grito as the start of the country’s independence struggle from Spain, while distinguishing it from the process’s culmination on November 28.[1]

Closures and practical effects

The Labour Code generally requires businesses and establishments to close on national holidays. It lists exceptions that include public services, farms, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, places of public entertainment and grocery retailers; some other businesses may operate with authorization. The Code also provides for an additional rest day when a holiday coincides with an employee’s regular weekly rest day.[2]

The La Chorrera decree ordered public and municipal office closures for its stated observance, with security and public health services excepted. Check with schools, banks and transport operators for their schedules.[4]