Spain restores the Wounded Flag of Panama's independence

The Wounded Flag , a symbol of Panama's national identity, is now at the Spanish Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPCE) in Madrid, where it will be restored over the next 18 months "as part of a joint effort to preserve the nation's historical memory," according to the Panamanian Ministry of Culture.

Made with the inverted colors of the national flag, the Wounded Flag was raised in the townships of Chitré, Monagrillo, and La Arena during the ceremonies proclaiming Panama's separation from Colombia. According to Panamanian authorities, its name comes from a bullet wound , a testament to the fervent moments of the 1903 separatist struggle. It is the only one preserved from that time, although it is " 97% deteriorated ," they add.

"Your flag is in the best hands," Susana Alcaide, director of the IPCE, assured Panamanians. She emphasized that the "center of reference in conservation and restoration here in Spain and internationally, is highly recognized with works and restorations at the highest level."

Alcaide confessed that for the IPCE experts, "it's a challenge, but it's also an incentive to have the Wounded Flag, which has a fundamental symbolism and representation for the Panamanian people," with whom, he said, "we are completely aligned."

The head of the Institute highlighted the interest aroused among the entire team in this "very important asset," which they will work to ensure its preservation "with the highest technical standards ." "We will follow all necessary protocols," she added.

According to restorer Héctor Bolívar, the IPCE prefers to use " anoxia with inert gases " and avoids "the use of chemicals applied directly to the cultural asset."

The restoration is being carried out within the framework of an international collaboration agreement between Spain and Panama, which, according to the Panamanian government, "allows us to preserve not only a physical piece, but also the profound significance it represents for our collective memory and our identity."

We also have the collaboration of private companies, which have facilitated air transport, the contracting of "Nail to Nail" insurance, and a key part of the logistics.

The iconic flag began its journey to Spain on April 30th from the Fabio Rodríguez Herrera Museum to a reserve area in the Panamanian capital, where it was stabilized before departing Tocumen International Airport for Madrid, where it is expected to remain during a restoration process estimated to take 18 months.

During the first trip from the Herrera Museum to the capital, homage was paid to this symbol at each stop, "as an act of respect and living memory," the Panamanian Ministry of Culture emphasized . The journey, lasting approximately four hours, was carried out without interruptions, at a controlled speed of 80 km/h due to the delicate state of conservation of the piece.

The Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, then emphasized that preserving Panamanian history "is protecting the soul of the nation" and this restoration "is a demonstration of the commitment of the State and Panamanian society to safeguard the heritage that defines us as a people who care for their heritage and preserve it for future generations ."