The history and heritage of Fort San Lorenzo came to life through theater, music and the voices of young people from the province of Colón, with the premiere of Tambores del Castillo, an immersive theatrical proposal that transforms this emblematic building into an open-air stage. The play, created and produced by Maritza Vernaza of Malamaña Teatro, is supported by the Ministry of Culture and represents the first phase of the project “Voices of Columbus: Young Protagonists of Living Heritage.” This initiative won the Panama Innova 2025 grant from the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) in the Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries category.
A Traveling and Interactive Experience: Unlike traditional stage productions, Tambores del Castillo invites the audience to move alongside the actors through the various structures of the castle and the landscape of the Chagres River. With songs, percussion, and dramatizations, the approximately two-and-a-half-hour tour allows visitors to relive historical moments of the region. During 2026, the young participants received training in history, heritage, tourism, and performing arts. This training program aims to enhance their professional and employment skills in the cultural industry, while also boosting the tourism offerings of the Atlantic coast.
Partnerships and Season Details: The project is carried out in conjunction with the Center for Historical, Anthropological and Cultural Research (CIHAC-AIP), the Portobelo and San Lorenzo Board, and the Ministry of Culture, and is formally marketed through the tour operator El Trip de Jenny. During the opening day, Yelitza Nurse, administrative director of the Portobelo and San Lorenzo Trust, welcomed the media to the visitor center, inviting the public to experience the San Lorenzo Castle in Real de Chagres.
Joel Ceras pictured above, director of the Historic Center of Colón, also detailed the progress and achievements made since the creation of his office. The performances will take place during October and November 2026, on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00 am. The activity is suitable for people aged 8 and up and has a limit of 50 participants per tour. A second theatrical tour is scheduled to take place in Portobelo during 2027.
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