Thousands of migrants living in Panama are navigating a holiday season marked by separation and longing instead of family unity. For individuals like María José, who left Venezuela nine years ago, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are experienced through a phone screen, a poignant reminder of the families they left behind. This reality unfolds as regional migration, particularly through the treacherous Darién Gap, continues at a steady pace.
Official figures show that through November, at least 3,032 people have crossed the Darién jungle this year. More than eighty percent of those travelers are from Venezuela. They are followed by Colombians, Ecuadorians, and migrants from nations as distant as Cameroon and Nepal. Many embark on these perilous journeys with the hope of securing economic stability, a goal that often feels distant during traditionally family-centric times.
Virtual Celebrations Replace Family Gatherings
María José’s three children remain in Venezuela under a relative’s care. She maintains contact through video calls, a technological tether that both connects and underscores the physical divide. Holidays and birthdays are now celebrated in two different countries simultaneously, with a cake cut in two separate rooms.
“I want to be with my family, I want to be with my children,” she said. [Translated from Spanish]
She has tried to recreate a sense of tradition by gathering with other lonely coworkers for holiday meals. The effort, while meaningful, cannot fill the void. These dinners sometimes feel more like obligation than celebration. María José admits the profound emotional gap that technology cannot bridge.
“I don’t really feel that joy,” she confessed. [Translated from Spanish]
Her seventeen-year-old son provides crucial emotional support, expressing understanding about their situation. Yet she mourns the lost moments of watching her children open gifts or sharing a holiday meal at the same table. Their relationship is sustained virtually, a common but difficult compromise for separated families.
An Enduring Sense of Absence
Even migrants who have successfully brought their immediate families with them report a persistent feeling of loss. Mayrin León has lived in Panama for fourteen years with her two children. While they are together, the absence of her extended family and the cultural traditions of her homeland fundamentally change the holiday experience.
“There is a void, it’s not the same,” León noted, referring to the family and cultural traditions left behind. [Translated from Spanish]
The season highlights what is missing. Familiar foods, shared stories, and generational rituals are difficult to replicate in a new country. This cultural dislocation adds a layer of melancholy to what should be a festive time. The longing to recreate the celebrations of their past remains a powerful, unifying hope among migrant communities.
Many who leave countries like Venezuela seeking better opportunities confront harsh realities upon arrival. Challenges include workplace exploitation, social inequality, and instances of xenophobia. These obstacles complicate the integration process and can intensify feelings of isolation during holidays meant for connection.
Despite the hardship, the desire to one day reunite and celebrate fully on home soil endures. The simple acts of cooking traditional dishes together or sharing a heartfelt embrace motivate countless migrants to persevere. Their holiday celebrations, though altered, are sustained by the unwavering hope of a future reunion.