David, Panama
Region: Chiriquí
Geographic Coordinates: 8.433300, -82.433300
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 32.0°C (75°F to 90°F)
Climate: David, Panama has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The rainy season typically lasts from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April.
Population: 144858
Language: Spanish
David is a bustling city located in the western province of Chiriqui, Panama. It is the third-largest city in Panama and serves as the economic hub of the region. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Ngöbe-Buglé. One of David’s most notable features is its vibrant market scene. The Mercado de San Mateo, Located in the heart of downtown David, Offers an array of fresh produce, Meats, And seafood that are harvested from nearby farms and coastal waters.
Visitors can also find handicrafts made by local artisans such as woven baskets and pottery. David is also home to several cultural landmarks that attract tourists from all over Central America. One such landmark is the Parque Cervantes which features a statue of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Another popular destination for visitors is La Barqueta Beach which boasts stunning views of both mountains and sea. The climate in David remains warm throughout most parts of the year with temperatures ranging between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit on average.
This makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring nearby national parks like Volcan Baru National Park. In recent years, David has experienced significant growth due to its strategic location near major transportation routes including highways and airports. This has led to increased investment opportunities for businesses looking to expand their operations into Central America. Despite its rapid development, David still maintains its small-town charm with friendly locals who are always willing to share their culture with visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, There’s something for everyone in this charming Panamanian city!
- Parque Cervantes
- Parque de las Madres
- Central Park
- San Jose Church
- Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Monument
- David Cathedral
- Mercado Público (Public Market)
- Museo Regional de Chiriquí (Regional Museum of Chiriqui)
- Finca Dracula Orchid Nursery and Botanical Garden
- Volcan Baru National Park
- David, Panama boasts a diverse economy with numerous major industries and businesses.
- Agriculture is a significant industry in the city, with crops such as coffee, sugar cane, rice, and bananas being produced.
- David is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to beaches and national parks.
- The city also has several manufacturing companies that produce items like textiles, plastics, and food products.
- Retail is another thriving sector in David with small shops and larger shopping centers present throughout the area.
- Several banks have branches in David providing financial services to the local community.
- Ongoing construction of residential buildings as well as commercial centers takes place within the city.
- Transportation options are plentiful with buses and taxis connecting David to other parts of Panama.
- Healthcare services are provided by multiple hospitals and clinics serving both locals and foreigners seeking affordable medical treatment options.
- The establishment of David as a city in 1840 during the era of Spanish colonization.
- The construction of the Pan-American Highway in the 1930s, which helped to connect David to other parts of Panama and Central America.
- The creation of Chiriqui Province in 1849, with David as its capital.
- The development of agriculture and tourism industries in the region, including coffee production and ecotourism.
- Notable people from David include former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, singer Rubén Blades, and baseball player Carlos Lee.
- In recent years, David has experienced growth and modernization with new shopping centers, hospitals, universities, and infrastructure projects such as a new international airport terminal which opened in 2019.
- Parque Cervantes
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
- Iglesia San José de David
- Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí
- Museo Regional de Chiriquí
- Monumento a la Madre
- Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos Herrera
- Teatro Ricardo Arias
- Centro Cultural Los Establos
- Casa Museo Rodrigo Miró
Sports Teams in David, Panama
There are several sports teams in David, Panama that have a rich history and are popular among locals:
- Atlético Chiriquí – a football (soccer) team that was founded in 1984 and has won multiple championships in the Liga Nacional de Ascenso.
- Toros de Chiriquí – a baseball team that plays in the Panamanian Professional Baseball League and has won several championships since its founding in 1946.
- Universitario FC – another football team from David, Panama that was founded in 1982 and has participated in various leagues throughout its history.
- Chiriquí Thunder – an American football team that plays in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano (National American Football League) and has already made a name for itself by winning several championships despite being relatively new.
Overall, sports play an important role in David’s community life with many other teams playing different sports such as basketball, volleyball etc., but these four teams stand out with their long-standing histories of success and popularity among local fans.
- Feria Internacional de David (International Fair of David) – a week-long fair held every March showcasing local products, music performances, rides, games and fireworks.
- Festival Nacional de la Mejorana (National Festival of Mejorana) – a traditional folk festival held every September featuring music and dance performances with the mejorana guitar.
- Carnaval de David (Carnival of David) – a vibrant carnival celebration held four days before Ash Wednesday featuring parades with colorful floats and costumes.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) – celebrated during the week leading up to Easter Sunday with processions and religious ceremonies.
- Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day Celebrations) – celebrated on November 3rd with parades, folk dances and live music performances.
- Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – celebrated on November 2nd where families gather to remember their loved ones who have passed away through altars decorated with flowers, candles and food offerings.
- Navidad y Año Nuevo (Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebrations)- celebrated throughout December with traditional Christmas carols called villancicos, street fairs selling local crafts as well as fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve.
- San Juan Bautista Market: This is a popular spot for trying local Panamanian cuisine, including ceviche, empanadas, and fried fish.
- El Rincón del Marisco: This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catches and traditional Panamanian dishes like arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood) and ceviche.
- La Fogata: This restaurant serves up classic Panamanian dishes like sancocho (a hearty soup made with chicken, yucca, and corn) and chuletas en salsa (pork chops in sauce).
- La Terraza de Pipo: A casual eatery that specializes in grilled meats and seafood dishes.
- Restaurante Donde Ivan: Known for its delicious fried fish platters, this no-frills restaurant is a favorite among locals.
- Casa de David Restaurant & Bar: Located in the city center, this upscale restaurant offers a mix of international cuisine as well as traditional Panamanian dishes like arroz con pollo (chicken with rice).
- El Huerto de Don Jorge: A farm-to-table style restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms to create fresh salads, sandwiches, and other healthy fare.
- Restaurante Los Camarones del Sur: As the name suggests, this seafood-focused eatery is known for its shrimp dishes – particularly the camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
- Parque Cervantes is a public park situated in the heart of David, providing visitors with a playground, walking paths, and benches to enjoy.
- Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos is an expansive park located on the outskirts of David that offers picnic areas, sports fields, and even a swimming pool for visitors to enjoy.
- Parque de las Madres is a small park located near the city center that boasts exercise equipment and a playground for children.
- Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui is an incredible national marine park situated off the coast of David that provides opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
- Sendero Los Quetzales is an exceptional hiking trail through the cloud forest near Boquete that offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountains.
- Rafting on Rio Chiriqui Viejo provides thrill-seekers with an adventurous water sport activity to partake in while visiting David.
- Boquete Tree Trek Canopy Tour allows visitors to experience an exhilarating zipline tour through treetops in Boquete.
- Hot Springs in Caldera are natural hot springs located approximately 30 minutes from David where guests can relax and soak in warm pools surrounded by lush vegetation.
