Central Avenue as an outdoor shopping center began to consolidate its position in the late 19th century and reached its peak throughout much of the 20th century. At that time, Panama was undergoing an urban transformation linked to international trade, first with the construction of the trans-isthmian railroad and then with the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. These events brought with them migration, investment, and the constant arrival of goods from around the world.
An Avenue Traced Along Old Colonial Roads
When Panama City began to expand beyond the walls of what we now know as Casco Antiguo in the 19th century, engineers and planners built this thoroughfare following parts of the layout of old colonial roads: the Camino de Cruces, which connected the Pacific coast with the Chagres River, and the Camino de las Sabanas, which led to the rural areas surrounding the city in its early days.
This is how Avenida Central emerged, aligned with sections of these historic roads. Thus, the street was not only born as a modern urban space, but also inherited the memory of centuries of traffic and commerce. Where mules laden with gold once passed, pedestrians, carriages, and later automobiles began to circulate. These colonial paths gave way to an urban artery that condensed the economic and social life of the capital for many years.
A Commercial Avenue Fed by New Neighborhoods
The Central Avenue, due to its strategic location between Casco Antiguo and the new, expanding neighborhoods such as Calidonia and Santa Ana, became the perfect setting for the development of a commercial avenue. Import stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, pharmacies, inns, and even movie theaters were established, turning it into the vibrant heart of city life.
Shops Showcasing the Latest in European and American Fashions
During the first half of the 20th century, strolling along the avenue was an everyday and cultural experience. Panamanian families came on weekends to shop, try out new products, or simply enjoy an afternoon stroll. Illuminated shop windows displayed the latest in European and American fashions, while street vendors lined the corners selling fruit, traditional sweets, and handicrafts.
During this time, Central Avenue also became a social and political meeting place. Cafes and restaurants were gathering points for intellectuals, merchants, and neighbors, where ideas were discussed and community life strengthened. Even during times of political ferment, Central Avenue was the scene of demonstrations, parades, and celebrations, reinforcing its role as the city’s nerve center.
Panama’s First Large Shopping Center
Over time, the construction of modern shopping centers and the growth of new urban areas have shifted some of its importance. However, Central Avenue has left an indelible mark on the collective memory as Panama’s first large open-air shopping center, a space where commerce, culture, and social life blended into a single space.
