The Congo afro-panamanian dance is a unique celebration full of dances and color. The dance started from Africa. The former slaves called “Cimarrons” brought the dance to Panama in Mexico. The dance has been passed on from generation to generation and the afro-panamanian legacy is still alive.
The Congos are the descendants of the Cimarrons who fought for their freedom from former slave masters. The Congo festival is full of dance and legends, men and women who present dances and songs while drumming.
The women dance while swaying their hips and using hands and feet to mark limits around the men. They wear a long skirt made up of a patchwork of very bright colors fabric, blouse with a colorful necklaces, flowers in their hair, and bare feet. The men wear a fringed shirt and pantsalso made of bright colorful clothes, masks, and bare feet and dance around the women. The rhythm of drums, singing and applause invites everyone around to participate in the Congo festival.