Panama
Historical name
San Felipe de Portobelo
Founding Date
1597 March 20
Address
Calle Genea, Portobelo, Panamá , PC: 0302 .
Phone numbers
+507 - 430-9802 / + 507 - 430-9871
Links to social networks
Responsible entity
Board of Portobelo and San Lorenzo, National Institute of Culture of PanamaManagement plan
Web link
www.inac.gob.pa/museos/106-museo-de-aduana-de-portobelo
Classification
Construction
Category
Inscribed on the World Heritage List
Function-Testimony
Site of Rebellion Settlement Slave market Port of landing
Access level
Free
Current Use
Portobelo City, population settlement, Customs Museum
Original use
Port of landing, settlement, fortresses for military defence
Property kind
Mixed
Expressions of intangible heritage associated
Besides the colonial fortresses, ritual and festive expressions of the Congo Culture may also be found in Portobelo. The city was the port of entry of many of the rebellious Africans who later on settled in the Congo group’s palenques, whose descendants practice rituals and celebrations during the Congo season (from January 20th or St. Sebastian Day, up to Ash Wednesday). The Congos represent the descendants of the emancipated slaves, who celebrate the struggle for freedom, through their view of the world, their songs, African drum music and dances. During the celebrations the Congos recall the history of their enslaved and emancipated people, the fight for freedom and the protection offered by the palenques against the slave-owners.