November 3 in Panama, Separation or Independence?

November 3rd is often mistakenly called "Independence Day" in Panama, but it’s important to note that November 3rd is not technically a day to marking Panama’s independence, rather it marks "Panama’s separation from Colombia."

In Panama, independence is November 28th, which is the day Panama gain Independence from Spain. On November 28th, 1821, Panama declared its independence from Spain and subsequently Panama willingly  joined what was then called, Great Colombia (made up of Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia).

For several years the Isthmus (as Panama was known at the time) tried to separate from Colombia. This was finally achieve on November 3rd, 1903. Today November 3rd, 2017 The Republic of Panama has served  114 years as an Independent and Sovereign Republic.

For more details read "Independence of Panama, Separation and its relationship with the Panama Canal"