Little Panama Way Unveiled in Brooklyn
Officials co-named a portion of Franklin Avenue to honor the city's long-standing Panamanian community.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hispanic
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City officials officially unveiled Little Panama Way in Brooklyn on Sept. 24. The ceremony marked the establishment of the Panamanian Cultural District in New York State, honoring the history of local residents.
Why it matters
The co-naming recognizes the legacy of Panamanians who have maintained a presence in the Crown Heights neighborhood since the 1950s. It serves as a formal tribute to the community's cultural contributions to the city.
Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights has been a hub for Panamanian life since the 1950s. More than 30,000 Panamanians currently reside within New York City.
The players
José Raúl Mulino
He attended the official unveiling ceremony for the new cultural landmark in Brooklyn.
Panama 507 Roundtable Group
This organization collaborated with community leaders to advocate for the street co-naming.
The details
The Panama 507 Roundtable Group and local community leaders collaborated to designate the street. This project officially marks the first Panamanian Cultural District in New York State.
Timeline
1950s: Panamanian presence established on Franklin Ave.
Sept. 24, 2026: Unveiling ceremony of Little Panama Way.
Oct. 10, 2026: Annual Panamanian parade.
Culture Shift
The creation of Little Panama Way reflects a broader trend of NYC neighborhoods codifying the historical footprint of specific immigrant communities through street naming. This follows a pattern set by the NYC cultural district designation process, formalizing the history of residents who have called these areas home for decades.
Residents and visitors to Crown Heights can now navigate the newly designated Little Panama Way along Franklin Avenue. The co-naming provides a permanent marker of the neighborhood's history, influencing how local commuters and residents engage with the area's cultural heritage.
The takeaway
The formal recognition of this district helps preserve the cultural identity of an immigrant community in a rapidly changing urban environment. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming cultural events to support the longevity of these local traditions.
What happens next
The 31st annual Panamanian parade is scheduled to take place on Oct. 10, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am.
Further reading
Learn more about the local community in the New York City Hispanic section.
More information
Find further details on the upcoming event via the Panamanian parade information portal.
Live Poll
Do you believe naming streets after local cultural groups helps preserve community history?
