A Symbolic Goodbye to 2015

Driving through the towns of Capira, Bejuco, Chame and San Carlos you may notice the life size paper mache dolls propped up by the side of the road. These “Muñecos de año Viejo” (Dolls of the old year) or “Judas dolls” are part of a deeply rooted tradition and an integral part of bringing in the New Year here in the beach community.

Typically the dolls represent people who have left an imprint on the country in the previous year, others figures are simply popular characters. Dolls this year once again include the ever popular Ricardo Martinelli along with, a very sorry Steve Harvy, and President Varela sporting a turtle shell. According to locals the shell is representative of a very slow start in office.

It is tradition to burn the doll at midnight, which represents starting the new year with a clean slate. However dolls are not simply burned rather they are intended to go off with a bang. Often the dolls are stuffed full of fireworks, the fuse is lit at the strike of midnight and the party says goodbye to the unwanted past.

Making the dolls has become a family tradition for many. What is interesting about this unique way celebrating the new year ahead,  is that it is seen primarily in the western part of the Province of Panama. The process of creating a Judas doll sometimes involves several families working together for a number of weeks. Dolls are dressed in old clothes and stuffed with recycled materials. According to doll makers in the area, the most difficult part to construct is the face. This is because most Judas dolls are made to look like a popular figure.

While dolls continue to take on popular figures, the tradition is starting to fade with less of the younger generation continuing to make the dolls annually. In an effort to keep the tradition alive, local leaders sometimes run a doll-making contest. Making, buying and burning Judas Doll is a long-standing tradition contributing to Chame’s cultural heritage. An annual contest within the districts of Chame and San Carlos offering prizes for the most creative doll, most colorful and most intricate helps keep the tradition alive. At the end of December the winners are announced and prizes are distributed to their homes. Some of the prizes are cash, in past years the grand prize was $300. 

Sheila Sanchez Figueroa, is a resident in the town of San José who has been participating in the contest for almost two decades. Now her children continue the tradition. Like most participants, Sra. Figueroa sells her dolls once the contest is over. However, one doll is always kept for the doll maker’s family bonfire.



If you would like to get in on the Panamanian tradition of Judas Doll burning this year, most dolls will now be up for sale! If there is a specific doll that you would like to see go up in flames this New Year’s Eve, knock on the family’s door. Buying a Judas doll from a local family helps support this unique tradition. Another fun way to get involved is to create a judas doll yourself! Share your Judas dolls (found, bought or made) in our Facebook group for a chance to win a fantastic NYE prize from Playa Community!