Muñecos (dolls) is a one-day Panamanian tradition at the end of the year on December 31. I had read about this tradition but did not know too much about it. It is one of the quaintest symbols marking the end-of-year in Panama. These life-size dolls are a form of folk art from Panama’s Interior, depicting sometimes the most outstanding personalities of the old year like sports figures, beauty queens, politicians, etc.
They are made with hay, old clothes, and sometimes, plastic and wood, the muñecos have a short life span. Representing the year that is about to end, they are burned up at midnight, December 31. This tradition from what I have read had begun to die out but has now making its revival.
In Boquete around five or six in the evening on December 31,
They are made with hay, old clothes, and sometimes, plastic and wood, the muñecos have a short life span. Representing the year that is about to end, they are burned up at midnight, December 31. This tradition from what I have read had begun to die out but has now making its revival.
In Boquete around five or six in the evening on December 31,
we heard the sirens again, wondering what is going on outside.
I looked out from the second floor window noticed a car leading a parade I knew it was
"Los Muñecos”. The first muñeco was a 9-foot tall effigy of an Ngobe woman dressed in a red dress. Here is a picture. Other funny stuffed animals and robots were in the parade as you can see. The parade was heading towards town for the traditional December 31 gift giving to the children of Boquete, a big celebration as well. I love these traditions it keep
s the heritage and culture alive throughout the land. 
s the heritage and culture alive throughout the land. 
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