Martyrs' Day (Panama)

Martyrs' Day, or the Flag Incident or Flag Protests, is a public holiday in Panama on January 9 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of anti-American riots over the sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone on January 9, 1964.

On November 3, 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia with the help of the United States, and the United State controlled the Panama Canal Zone in return. The Panama Canal Zone controlled by the United States within Panama became the source of tension between the two nations.

President Joh Kennedy agreed to fly the Panamanian flag alongside the US flag at non-military buildings in the Panama Canal Zone to soothe the tension. However, he was assassinated before making it a law. Panama Canal Zone Governor Robert Fleming limited Kennedy's order and removed both flags, angered the people in the Zone as they interpreted that the United States would pull out of the area.

People started to fly US flags everywhere. The Balboa High School, located in the canal zone, raised the U.S. flag. After the school officials removed the flag, students raised another one and protected it, ensuring it was not lowered again.

Panamanian students heard about the flag event, and nearly 200 students reached the Canal Zone to raise the Panamanian flag. Fueled by rumors on both sides, the event became a riot. The U.S. army was involved after the Canal Zone police were overwhelmed, and the fighting continued for three days. About 22 Panamanians and 4 U.S. soldiers died during the incident.

The following is the list of Martyrs' Day in Panama from 2022 to 2026.

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