Season 3, Episode 21 – The Family Tree (Panama)

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What better way for the Festive Fans to celebrate the end of our third season, than by abandoning the snow-covered streets, roaring fireplaces, and winter landscapes of most holiday movies, books and songs to travel down south.  It is June, so we are off to a place known for its tropical warmth, rich cultural heritage and vibrant holiday music and dancing.  We wanted a party-like atmosphere, so we have selected a country that blends Spanish, Indigenous, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a unique and different Christmas experience.  Despite the warm temperatures, the merry atmosphere here is just as festive.

We are in the Republic of Panama, the southernmost country in Central America. While the country is known for its famous canal, Panama is also a natural land bridge, connecting South and Central America. Because of its unique geography, plant and animal life from both continents flourish here.  Its biodiversity is one of the richest in the world, three times higher than the United State, Canada and Europe combined, with more than 10,000 plant species, 200 mammal species, and more than 1,000 bird species.

What is perhaps not so colorful is the Panamanian indie movie we watched, The Family Tree.  This film aims to be a classic Christmas tale but ends up more like a formulaic melodrama with acting akin to a soap opera.  The film and the story are so weak, they create a negative impression of the country.  However, with Panama’s natural beauty, friendly people, and unique holiday traditions, it is almost enough to offset the 131 minutes of tedium before we get back to the celebrating.

The lively music does help.  “Os Almirantes” is a Panamanian ska punk and rock band, and we listen to their popular Christmas song, “Merry Christmas Panama”, released in 2020. The song captures the genuine spirit and rhythms of Panama, referencing family preparations, holiday foods, and midnight fireworks. Music plays such an essential part of Christmas in Panama, as dancing and lively parties continue late into the night, with traditional folk music, salsa, and popular holiday songs.

Obviously, The Family Tree should not define our perception of Panama. The true spirit of Christmas can be found anywhere in the world, no matter the weather or their movies. By looking beyond the screen, we discover a country that is worth exploring and celebrating with its breathtaking scenery, deep musical history, and vibrant cultural diversity.

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