Panama is home to an incredibly rich craft heritage, reflecting its multicultural identity. As the holidays approach, but also throughout the year, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn to these unique creations for a meaningful, handcrafted gift that directly supports local artisans.
Contemporary Panamanian art: color, culture and identity
Panama is full of artists who reinterpret the country’s soul. Rako is a street artist who paints the beauties of Panama both on the street and in his store in Casco Viejo. Mr. Saldaña is known for putting the Polleras in the spotlight in his drawings, and for his vibrant canvases blending folklore, music, traditions and scenes of daily life. To give a work or even a reproduction by these artists is to give a piece of Panamanian culture, a souvenir that goes beyond the object and becomes a link with the local imagination.
Traditional masks tell a different story: that of festivals and dancing demons. Sculpted from natural fibers or shaped from papier-mâché, diablo masks are used at carnivals and folklore celebrations. They are decorative pieces full of character, perfect for those who love unique objects.
Fashion and textiles: elegance and tradition in everyday life
Panama’s textile heritage is so rich that it endures through fashion without ever losing its authenticity. The famous Panamanian hat, although originally from Ecuador, has become a symbol of local tropical style. Lightweight and finely woven, it goes equally well with sunny days and dressier outfits.
If you prefer the real Panama hat, the Pinta’o hat, you can find it in Casco Viejo or in the city of hats: La Pintada in the Coclé region. Different from the Panama hat, it’s flatter and can be colored.
Last but not least, guayabera shirts appeal to locals and travelers alike. Lightweight, elegant and designed for the tropical climate, they are a timeless gift, perfect for staying chic even under the sun.
Indigenous art: the finesse of craftsmanship
Panama’s indigenous peoples perpetuate age-old traditions. Each community has its own specialties and skills. The Emberá, in particular, are renowned for their meticulously hand-woven beaded jewelry, known as chaquiras. Each motif carries a message, often inspired by the forest, animals or ancestral beliefs. Their woven baskets made from chunga leavesor their textile, Parumas, the name of the fabric used for the women’s skirts, are very popular.
Some Embera communities carve seeds such as tagua, sometimes called « plant ivory », to create figurines or pendants. These small works of art rival one another in detail, demonstrating a deep respect for nature and sustainable materials.
The Gunas are famous for their Mola, a traditional and intricate textile art form that can easily be found in the markets of Panama City or directly on site in Guna Yala, the San Blas archipelago. The Gunas superimpose layers of fabric to form geometric patterns, scenes from nature, animals and more. These panels of fabric were originally sewn to make the front and back of traditional blouses. Today, they are also used as decoration and are recognized worldwide.
The Ngobe-Buglé are famous for their chacaras, colorful woven bags made from natural plant fibers, and their traditional clothing, the naguas. They are also the guardians of Panama’s coffee and cocoa.
Panamanian chocolate: a sweetness with character
It’s impossible to talk about craftsmanship without mentioning chocolate. Panama produces some of the finest cocoa in Central America, and several brands have succeeded in sublimating this local treasure. I Love Panama, Oro Morena and Bocao Panama offer gourmet bars and creations that combine quality and expertise. Their chocolates are often sourced from sustainable plantations and processed locally, making them a tasty… and responsible gift. For cooks and cocoa-lovers, you can take home pure cocoa, 100% rather bitter, which can be prepared to your taste.
Flavours and traditions: coffee and exceptional rums
Giving a gift from Panama also means sharing its flavours. Boquete coffee is world-renowned, especially the famous geisha, one of the world’s most prized coffees for its floral notes and aromatic complexity. Brands such as Jansen, Lamastus and other local coffees offer carefully selected beans, perfect for lovers of rare coffee.
When it comes to spirits, Panama stands out for its artisanal rums. Ron Abuelo remains a classic, while Pedro Mandinga has made a name for itself with its infused rums and modern know-how. For beer lovers, microbreweries such as Rana Dorada bring a more local and relaxed touch, with craft beers brewed on site.
So if you’re looking for a gift that’s meaningful, speaks of identity and supports local communities, Panamanian craftsmanship is a natural choice. From hand-crafted jewelry to original chocolate, from traditional textiles to exceptional coffee, each piece tells a little bit about the country. And as the festive season approaches, what better souvenir than one with a story behind it?
