14 Oct The Accordion in Panama
By Natalie Warner
The accordion is an instrument that is popular within Panamanian folk music, known as típico or pindín. The origins of how the accordion became integrated into Panama may be surprising. There were three primary contributing influences: the California Gold Rush, trade routes, and Colombian influences.
California Gold Rush
The accordion was popular among European sailors traveling to Latin America and the Caribbean islands. Not only were accordions inexpensive, they were also portable. They served as a source of entertainment for sailors. Accordions also became a popular item to use for trade at trading posts.
Colón, Panama (formally known as Aspinwall and named after the founder of the Panama Railroad) was a popular port for travelers, especially during the gold rush. Travelers would use the Panama Railway as the safest and most secure way to get from coast to coast. This route crossed multiple trading posts along the way. Reports by American, Dutch, and German travelers reported hearing the accordion being played in Aspinwall by locals circa 1855.
Trade Routes Throughout the Caribbean
Merchants often traded hide, sugar, and tobacco throughout ports including in Colombia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The introduction of the accordion is a direct result of these trading ports and helped popularize the accordion in the region. Tipíco, merengue, plena, and other music genres throughout the Caribbean incorporate the accordion into their music.
El Baile del Mono is an example of merengue.
The Republic of Colombia
Panama was once part of Colombia, which was known as the Republic of Colombia. This was the case until Panama’s separation from Colombia (read our blog about it) in 1903. Trading ports including Barranquilla, Ciénaga, and Ricohacha helped introduce new instruments throughout Colombia and present-day Panama.
Accordions were a popular source of entertainment by Colombian soldiers marching from Bogotá to Panama during the Thousand Day War (1899-1902). This was a civil war between Panama and Colombia. It was reported that the imports of accordions nearly tripled after the war. There number of imported accordions went from 100 in 1901 up to 260 the following year.
A Slow Integration
Despite the increasing popularity of the accordion, violins were still the predominate sound of Panamanian music for several decades. Origins of típico are associated primarily with areas including Las Tablas and Chitré. The popularity of the accordion in music did not occur until the mid-1950s. Típico music had a strong presence in the Panamanian music scene by the 1970s.
It is unclear of exactly which musicians had the most influence on helping the music genre gain popularity. During the time, many who lived in Panama City regarded típico as “cholo”, or “redneck” music. Now, it can be heard throughout Panama, including taxis, bars, and festivals.
Popular artists and songs include “No Sé Por Que no le Gusto” by Nenito Vargas y Las Plumas Negras; “Mil Maneras de Olvidarte” by Ulpiano Vergara. Cardenas Dorindo is regarded as one of the best Panamanian accordion players of all time.
Panama is said to be a melting pot of cultures. The introduction of the accordion and its popularity are no exception. Panama’s geographic location for trade and interoceanic travel helped bring worlds together. Although the accordion is popular among other Caribbean countries, típico is one of the most popular genres originating out of Panama.