Panama, March 10, 2025 - He was a visionary woman, a tiring writer and a fervent defender of our traditions. His work was characterized by a profound connection with our roots, leaving an indelible fingerprint on our country's literature and folklore. We referred to Dora Pérez de Zátiate, whom, as part of his nativity, the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) paid tribute to him in an important event that goes back to his legacy.

During the event, the authorities of the entity, Ivis Moreno, General Secretary, José Alberto Sosa, National Director of Folklore, Emma Gómez, Chief of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Aristides Burgos Villarreal, National Director of the School of Artistic Education and founder of the National School of Folklore, highlighted the path of this Panamanian lady that remains a source of inspiration for generations of writers, artists and promoters of Panamanian culture.

For his part, Ivis Moreno emphasized that Dora Pérez de Zárate's contribution was transcendental. In his cultural activity, he promoted traditional music and dances, highlighting our country's cultural wealth and the fundamental role of mejorana as a symbol of our identity. "Thanks to his dedication, many of our folk traditions have been preserved and transmitted, ensuring that they continue to vibrate at the heart of our people," Moreno emphasized.

The tribute was with an artistic program by the Panamanian composer Colaquito Cortés, who, with his wife Veronica Quintero, dedicated a beautiful musical piece entitled "Tribute to Dora Pérez de Zárate," where he expressed all his legacy to our folklore.

José Alberto Sosa emphasized that Pérez de Zátiate, as an author, succeeded in capturing the essence of traditional Panama, fusing literature with the voices of the people and narrating stories that do not only speak about our customs but also invite reflection about our identity, our struggles and our hopes. "His writings about our popular customs, our parties, our music and dances have been transformed into irrefutable testimonies of our cultural wealth. Through his research and accounts, his future generations did not only know but also appreciate the grandeur of our oral tradition."

The celebration of the life and work of this great Folklorist was conducive to that, through music and dance, students from the Folklore School of San Miguelito will play pieces as "La Denesa," "Danzón Cumbia," "Mal de Amor," "Cumbia el Pañuelito" and "Cumbia Atravesa 'or I will go to La Bolívar." 

The activity was also appropriate to announce the opening of the public call for the Order "Manuel F. Zátiate" and the "Dora Pérez de Zátiate" Award, with an outstanding commitment to the principles of integrity, dedicated and service to national folklore. From March 9 to April 30, 2025, applications will be received. For more information about selection criteria and posting, they can visit the web site.

Sboth awards

The Orden Manuel F. Zátiate Decor is an recognition for those who have been interested in the search, rescue, knowledge and maintenance of folk expressions of conduct, habits, dances, dances, works, popular songs and other manifestations of popular culture.

The Dora Pérez de Zárate Award is an recognition of the contribution of Panamanian citizens who have increased their essence of nationality through their management with more than 20 (20) years in terms of their terms of credit.