Inauguration of the Royal Customs House and Afro-Panamanian Museum marks a milestone in the tourism revival of Portobelo and Colón

On June 21, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, inaugurated the restoration works of the Royal Customs House in Portobelo and the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory. These initiatives aim to preserve the historical legacy of Afro-descendant people and the historical memory of the Afro population.

The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including the Minister of Culture, Giselle González, the Minister of Public Works, Rafael Sabonge, the Governor of Colón, Irasema de Dale, as well as Nilda Quijano, founder and executive director of the Patronato de Portobelo y Fuerte San Lorenzo. Additionally, Alexander Leicht, Director of UNESCO San José, was present.

The Royal Customs House of Portobelo, an architectural gem built by the Spanish in 1630, played a vital role during the famous fairs of Portobelo and has undergone several restorations throughout its history. Furthermore, it was an important location during the colonial era in transatlantic trade.

A notable feature of this project is the strong involvement of the local community at all stages. Ninety percent of the labor employed in construction, restoration, and museography was contracted among the residents of Portobelo and the province of Colón. This active participation has strengthened community ties and generated employment opportunities, promoting local economic development.

On the ground floor of the newly inaugurated building, there are three highly relevant rooms. One of them narrates the history of Afro-descendants in Portobelo, highlighting their influence on the culture and identity of the region. Another room exhibits the intangible heritage of the province of Colón, particularly emphasizing the ritual and festive expressions of the congos, which have been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage. Lastly, a section dedicated to the rituals, beliefs, and history of the revered arrival of the Black Christ in Portobelo has been created.

During the inauguration ceremony, Leicht, Director of UNESCO San José, emphasized the significance of the site by stating that "Portobelo was a significant port in the history of slavery, this unimaginable crime against humanity. Speaking of the trafficking of enslaved people in Portobelo also means speaking of resistance, resilience, and the survival of the Afro-descendant community. In this sense, this site is also a place looking towards the future."

This memorable inauguration reflects Panama's and UNESCO's commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism as drivers of economic and social development in the Colón region.