Incredible and beautiful! That’s how it felt at Las Mil Naguas — the first parade honoring the ancestral garment of the Ngäbe culture.
The Desfile de las Mil Naguas was held for the first time on Saturday, October 18, in the city of David, capital of the Chiriquí province. It was organized by the Union of Cultural Managers, together with the city’s municipality.
This new cultural expression event was carried out by Ngäbe-Buglé cultural leaders from the David district in Collaboration with David Municipality. Its purpose is to recognize the contribution of indigenous women to Panamanian identity and to strengthen the living presence of native cultures.
Las Mil Naguas Parade, almost two hundred delegations marched in Colorful Naguas and other traditional clothes – ©A Lifetime Quest
Las Mil Naguas Parade – More than Three Thousand Ngabe women marched in colorful Naguas across David, Chiriqui, Panama – ©A Lifetime Quest
The origin of the nagua: the serpent woven in fabric
The nagua comes from a legend that tells of a giant serpent named Makata, descending through the Cricamola River, causing flooding and the loss of crops. A young woman named Mesi Kwira saw it and captured the snake’s diamond skin pattern on the nagua — asymmetrically woven into her fabric and all her handcrafts. Thus was born the Nagua.
Colorful Naguas at the Desfile de las Mil Naguas – ©A Lifetime Quest
Ngäbe and Buglé are two of Panama’s seven indigenous groups, along with the Emberá, Wounaan, Guna, Naso, and Bri-Bri peoples. (If you’re curious about Panama’s history, the details that make it unique, and places worth visiting — check out this link!)
The Ngäbe-Buglé territory is the largest indigenous region in Panama, covering about 6,967 km² across Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, and the Caribbean Sea. It has some of the most magical and beautiful scenarios in Panama.
Rosa Iveth Montezuma abanderada del Desfile de las Mil Naguas – ©A Lifetime Quest
The Flag Bearer of the Event was Rosa Iveth Montezuma, who represented Panama in Miss Universe 2018 and is originally from the region.
“The nagua is the element that represents the Ngäbe woman, identifying us as people; it brings the symbolism of our culture and our cosmovision.”
The event exceeded expectations, becoming — from that Saturday — a new cultural tradition for the capital district of Chiriquí. Nearly 200 delegations participated, with over 3,000 Ngäbe-Buglé women and more than 5,000 attendees overall.
The event was full of joy, dances, rhythms, and unity – ©A Lifetime Quest
As Panamanians, it fills us with pride to see events like this being done —
those that help strengthen our folklore and highlight the cultural value of our indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, as we continue exploring art, dance, culture, and stories, our curiosity awakens to visit even more places.
Traditional Music and Dances, the event was just so vibrant! – ©A Lifetime Quest
Previously, I mentioned that during this journey through Panama, one of my greatest wishes is to get to know more about the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé and other indigenous groups.
We’re left absolutely inspired — ready to plan our visit to this territory and culture, which has so much to offer! (Can’t wait!!!)
Let’s connect, let’s flow, and let the adventure shape you.
Thanks for joining, Thanks for reading! See you soon
– And go for it!
Peace
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