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Monument to the Martyrs (January 9)

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Historical site
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Monument to the Martyrs (January 9) (Panama)

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The Monument to the Martyrs (Monumento a los Mártires) in Panama City commemorates the tragic events of January 9, 1964, a turning point in the history of Panamanian sovereignty. On this day, Panamanian students peacefully protested for the right to fly their national flag alongside the US flag at Balboa High School in the then-Canal Zone. The violent escalation resulted in the deaths of 21 Panamanians and triggered nationwide riots and a severance of diplomatic ties with the US. The monument is located on the site of the former school and consists of symbolic elements like an eternal flame and statues representing the struggle and sacrifice of the youth. These events paved the way for the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which eventually led to the full handover of the canal to Panama. Today, January 9 is observed as a national day of mourning and remembrance, and the monument stands as a powerful symbol of national pride and independence.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272728282827272727272727
Rain mm20918107245253204220245260248108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monument to the Martyrs of January 9 is an outdoor memorial open to the public at all times. It is located along a busy street, so you can easily view it from the sidewalk without any entrance fee.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours - it can be visited 24/7. It is especially impressive in the early morning or at sunset when the light highlights the sculptures.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time, even with flash, as it is a public space. However, watch out for traffic if you want to take the best shot of the memorial from the middle of the road.
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Time needed
Visiting the monument usually takes 15-20 minutes to read the inscriptions and see the central statue. If you also explore the nearby commemorative plaques and the small park, allow 30 minutes.
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Combine with
The monument is on Avenida de los Mártires, just one kilometer from Santo Tomás Hospital. Combine your visit with a walk along the avenue, which features several memorials related to the history of the Panama Canal.
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Getting there
The monument is in Panama City at the intersection of Avenida de los Mártires and Calle 34. It is best reached by taxi or Metrobus (line C640) to the 'Monumento a los Mártires' stop.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument on January 9 when official commemorative ceremonies take place and many flowers are laid. Read the inscriptions on the plaques carefully to understand the moving story of the Panamanian sovereignty movement.

Geography

Coordinates
8.95750, -79.54400

Facts

  • The event is known in Panama as 'Martyrs' Day'.
  • A total of 21 people died during the riots between January 9 and 12.
  • Ascanio Arosemena was the first student killed during the protests.
  • The monument was built on the grounds of what is now the Ascanio Arosemena Training Center.
  • The sculpture depicts students attempting to climb a fence.
  • Panama severed diplomatic relations with the US for several months following the events.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Palace of JusticePalace of Justice<1 km · NExplore →
Panama Canal Administration BuildingPanama Canal Administration Building1 km · SExplore →
Balboa MonumentBalboa Monument2 km · NExplore →
National Zoo of PanamaNational Zoo of Panama2 km · EExplore →
Estadio Rod CarewEstadio Rod Carew3 km · NEExplore →
PSA Panama International TerminalPSA Panama International Terminal3 km · SExplore →
Torre GlobalTorre Global3 km · NExplore →
Historical Cemetery of TabogaHistorical Cemetery of Taboga4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Monument to the Martyrs (January 9) (3)

National Institute of Panama📍 landmark

The traditional educational institution in the city center is one of the oldest secondary schools in the country.

Santa Ana, Panama City📍 landmark

The neighborhood around the namesake church is known for its markets and historic atmosphere.

Instituto Oncológico Nacional📍 landmark

The national cancer institute in Panama City provides medical care and research in this field.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the monument commemorate?
It commemorates the victims of the events of January 9, 1964.
How long is a visit?
About 10 to 15 minutes are perfectly sufficient.
Is it a historic place?
Yes, it marks an important turning point in the history of Panamanian sovereignty.
Are there information panels?
Yes, there are usually explanations about its historical significance.
Is it easily accessible on foot?
It is located very centrally and can easily be integrated into a walk.
Monument to the Martyrs (January 9): where is it located?
Monument to the Martyrs (January 9) is located in Panama.
Monument to the Martyrs (January 9): what is there to see?
Highlights include National Institute of Panama, Santa Ana, Panama City, Instituto Oncológico Nacional.
Monument to the Martyrs (January 9): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Monument to the Martyrs (January 9): why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to the Martyrs (Monumento a los Mártires) in Panama City commemorates the tragic events of January 9, 1964, a turning point in the history of Panamanian sovereignty.
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