The Kunas are an indigenous group located in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles off the east coast of mainland Panama, lay the San Blas Archipelago, a series of exquisite tropical islandsThe Kunas are a charming and very spiritual people who deeply believe that “all things come from Mother Earth and nothing exists more necessary than she is.”

Kuna are spirited and vivacious. They have ancient myths and perform exotic dance ceremonies. The dance ceremonies serve as a means of communicating these myths.

These dances are a cultural legacy that has a metamorphic meaning, because during the performance they recreate animal movements, wind, seas and rivers, creating a natural bond between mother and the Kuna people.

At the Dance Kuna we can appreciate a large quantity of musical instruments made of wood, bones, shells and skeletons of marine animals.  Each one of these instruments produces an special sound of percussion, wind, string and brass instrument.

In this culture the most popular dance is called “Chachachá” or “Noga Gope” where six men and six women participate. Each village selects the best dancers, getting them together during an afternoon before new year´s eve to perform in front of the people. Men play the flute or “Kammu Burwi” and women play the “Onassis” or maracas.This dance is taught from generation to generation. It is a high honor to win for their village.

In special events, as the puberty initiation, there are specialized singers known as “Kandures” that sing to welcome adolescent to the adult world and the village´s musicians play the “Tool” another type of flute. The entire village prepares a party to receive the new members of the village, cause from now on, the will be considered as decision making individuals.

Most of these dances have no religious sense but it is part of their culture and they carefully celebrate each one of them. Kunas indigenous are very proud of their own customs, laws, and legislation enabling them to preserve their natural environment and heritage.

Thus, the islands lying within San Blas province are rich in tradition, following their own Dedicated Kuna have managed to start a grassroots movement, known as Project for the Study and Management of Wild Areas of the Kuna Yala (PEMASKY), to help protect endangered species along the Caribbean coast and to prevent outsiders from settling on their land.

Kuna take pride in adorning themselves elaborately. Doing so thru vibrant dress and bright jewelry, including tight strings of beads around their legs and forearms as well as gold rings in the bottom of their noses. Kuna tend to have striking, relatively short figures, on top of having the highest rate in the world for albinism. Kuna also speak with a unique dialect known as Kuna.

The breathtaking scenery and unique indigenous culture encompassing the San Blas Archipelago make it a truly unique place to travel to in Panama. The Kuna have stood up for their beliefs, enabling them to live the life that they believe is best for them. The Kuna and their islands are undoubtedly vibrant, colorful, culturally rich and unforgettably hospitable.