CIOFF® in Panama

Panama City, Panama | October 7–13, 2026

From October 7 to 13, 2026, Panama welcomed the CIOFF® International Executive Committee and Council for a week of international cooperation, cultural discovery, and friendship, united by a shared commitment to safeguarding living cultural heritage.

Representatives from around the world gathered to strengthen collaboration among CIOFF®'s international commissions, National Sections, Partner Members, and geographical sectors. Discussions focused on supporting festivals and cultural groups, encouraging youth participation, and helping communities sustain and transmit their traditions to future generations.

The week began with a warm welcome from CIOFF® Panama, whose members and performers brought the country's living traditions to life through an opening gala of music and dance at the historic Arco Chato, within the ruins of the Convent of Santo Domingo in Panama City's Casco Viejo.

Another significant moment was a virtual meeting between the CIOFF® International Executive Committee and UNESCO representatives Julien Pellaux, Sabina Colombo, Marin Sirakov, and Luis-Alberto Vargas Rojas. The positive and constructive exchange provided an opportunity for dialogue and mutual understanding of CIOFF®'s mission, its international volunteer network, and its contributions to cultural cooperation. During the meeting, other delegates visited the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, exploring the history and cultural connections that have shaped the country.

On October 9, an unexpected earthquake interrupted the Council meetings. As a precaution, meeting locations and cultural activities were reorganized to prioritize the safety and well-being of participants.

Despite these changes, the work continued. Eduardo Hansell, CIOFF® International's Latin American Sector Representative, generously opened his home for subsequent Council meetings. Delegates also continued discussions and collaboration in hotel rooms and informal gathering spaces, demonstrating the adaptability and dedication of the international CIOFF® community.

The revised cultural programme continued to showcase Panama's remarkable history and living traditions. It included the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal and Castillo de San Lorenzo, part of a UNESCO World Heritage property reflecting Panama's historical connections with the wider world.

Among the most meaningful experiences was a visit to an Emberá Indigenous community near Lake Gatún. Through traditional artistic expressions, cultural practices, and knowledge shared across generations, delegates gained a deeper appreciation for the community's cultural identity and living heritage.

The encounter reflected a principle central to CIOFF®'s mission and UNESCO's approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: communities themselves play the essential role in practicing, maintaining, and transmitting their traditions. Meaningful cultural exchange begins with respect for their knowledge, identities, and their choices about how their heritage is shared.

Another memorable experience was an evening dedicated to the pollera panameña, Panama's celebrated traditional national dress. Delegates discovered the artistry behind its intricate needlework, delicate lace, floral ornaments known as tembleques, and traditional gold jewelry, each reflecting generations of craftsmanship and cultural knowledge.

Throughout the week, music, dance, shared meals, and conversations created connections beyond the formal meetings. These experiences demonstrated that cultural exchange is more than presenting traditions. It is about listening, experiencing, learning, and developing mutual understanding.

CIOFF® International extends its heartfelt appreciation to the leadership, members, and performers of CIOFF® Panama, whose dedication and hospitality brought the gathering to life. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the Ministry of Culture of Panama and the Office of the Old Quarter for their support, Eduardo Hansell for his exceptional hospitality, and the Emberá community and surrounding communities for welcoming delegates and sharing their living traditions.

The meetings reaffirmed that CIOFF®'s greatest strength lies in its people: the communities, cultural practitioners, festivals, groups, volunteers, and young leaders who keep traditions alive. Through cooperation and respect for cultural diversity, CIOFF® continues connecting people and supporting the transmission of living heritage to future generations.

In Panama, heritage inspired, resilience united, and friendship strengthened the global CIOFF® community.