In a historic celebration of Caribbean culture, the St Francois Girls’ College Steelpan Orchestra has been invited to lead a series of steelpan workshops and performances in Panama, commemorating the country’s National Day of Calypso on October 17. This initiative, organized by the Center for Arts and Culture in Colón, aims to reconnect the province with its West Indian roots through the vibrant rhythms of steelpan music. The orchestra will conduct interactive workshops for secondary school students across Colón, culminating in a lively concert that honors the region’s rich musical heritage. This cultural exchange, facilitated by Afro-cultural activist Selvia Miller, Ernesto Polanco of the Institute of Art & Folklore, and Aleah Guitan of Trinitica International, underscores the deep historical ties between Panama and the Caribbean. Colón, home to descendants of Trinidadian, Jamaican, and Barbadian laborers who migrated during the Panama Canal construction, has long embraced calypso music. The introduction of steelpan aims to create a melodic bridge between generations and cultures, fostering a renewed sense of pride and memory for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
St Francois Girls’ College Orchestra leads cultural exchange in Panama
