The Guna Tribe: Origins, Culture, and the Unique Islands of Guna Yala

Although the origin of the Guna tribe is not entirely certain, it is thought that they come from the northern part of Colombia, most commonly known as the Darien area, where small tribes of Gunas still remain today. The Gunas reached the land we call San Blas a couple of centuries ago when they fled Colombia for unknown reasons.

The Guna people have their own identity and, for the most part, do not consider themselves Panamanian. They fiercely defend their culture and heritage, making them a unique and resilient group. Throughout your stay in San Blas, you will have the opportunity to experience their distinct culture firsthand.

Women like to wear their typical outfit at all times and take good care of their appearance.

Guna Culture and Traditions

One of the most remarkable aspects of Guna culture is their traditional attire. Guna women wear their vibrant, colorful dresses at all times, and they take great pride in their appearance. The intricate molas, a traditional textile art, are worn as part of their clothing. These hand-stitched pieces tell stories through their complex designs and are a vital part of the Guna identity. The tradition of mola-making is passed down through generations, and today it remains an important cultural practice that also contributes to the Guna economy.

The Guna people have several cultural events, such as the Iggo inna (a puberty rite for girls) and the inna mutiki (Night Festival), both of which celebrate important milestones and foster a sense of community. These festivals offer visitors a deep connection to Guna traditions and values.

Historical Context: From Darien to San Blas

The Guna's migration to San Blas was a significant chapter in their history. Fleeing from Colombia, they established their semi-autonomous homeland in the San Blas Archipelago. The region, formerly known as San Blas, was renamed Guna Yala in October 2011 to reflect the Guna people's preferred name in their native tongue. In Guna, "Yala" means "land" or "mountain," so Guna Yala translates to "Land of the Guna." The name change was an important step in recognizing their cultural identity.

Historically, the Guna people fought to protect their independence. The 1925 Dule Revolution, for example, was a defining moment where the Guna defended their right to self-rule, leading to their unique political status. Today, Guna Yala is politically subdivided into four corregimientos (districts), with a total of 51 comunidades (communities). These communities are mostly located on the islands of the San Blas Archipelago, which you may have the chance to visit on your trip.

Geography and the Islands of Guna Yala

Guna Yala is a region of extraordinary natural beauty, composed of over 300 islands, some of which are inhabited by the Guna people. Visitors often explore islands like Dutch Cays, Coco Bandero Cays, Cayo Limon, and islands closer to the mainland, such as Cambombia and Franklin. These islands are not only home to the Guna people but also offer stunning landscapes of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Guna Yala is politically subdivided into four corregimientos (districts), with a total of 51 comunidades (communities), most of which are located on islands of the San Blas Archipelago off the mainland coast. The islands we will most likely visit are around Dutch Cays, Coco Bandero Cays, Cayo Limon and the island closer to land like Cambombia, Franklin, etc.

These are some of the names of islands in Guna:

• Wichupwala

• Nalunega

• Gorbisgi

• Carti Mamidup

• Uargandup

• Ailidup

• Orosdup

• Mandi Ubgigandup

• Arridup

• Narasgandup Dummar or Big Orange

• Narasgandup bipy or Orange Girl

• Akwadup

• Carti Sugdupu

• Carti Mulatupu

• Carti Yandup

• Carti Tupile

• Mirya Ubgigandup or Soledad Miria

• Mormagedup or Machine Island

• Mamardup

• Urgandi

• Nusadup

• Uargandup or Sugar River

• Yandup or Narganá

• Agwanusadup or Corazon de Jesús (Heart of Jesus)

• Digirad or Rio Tigre

• Niadup or Ticantiquí

• Maguebgandi

• Nabagandi

One of the hundreds of paradise islands in San Blas.

Economic Activities and Sustainable Practices

The Guna people rely on fishing, agriculture, and the production of handicrafts for their livelihood. Fishing is a vital part of their economy, and they use sustainable practices to ensure the health of their marine environment. The production of molas, the vibrant textile art, is not only a cultural practice but also a key economic activity, contributing to the preservation of their heritage and providing an income for the community.

Despite increasing tourism, the Guna have managed to maintain a balanced approach to tourism, which allows visitors to experience their culture while ensuring the benefits are shared within their communities. They are particularly proud of their traditions and work hard to protect their environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to live in harmony with nature.

Visiting Guna Yala

Visiting Guna Yala is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique culture while exploring one of the most beautiful and untouched regions of Panama. While there, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the Guna people and get a true sense of their dedication to preserving their culture and environment.

Remember that Guna Yala is a semi-autonomous region, and when you visit, it is important to respect the Guna people's customs and traditions. They hold their culture dear, and they value travelers who appreciate their way of life and the natural beauty of their land.

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