History

El Grupo Folklórico de Panamá en Washington, DC (GRUFOLPAWA) was founded by Sra. Olga Small during the summer of 1976. Her inspiration was drawn from her pride and love for the beauty of her heritage and her desire to share this beauty with everyone. Her idea was conceived as a spin-off of the Latin American Festival of Washington, DC that continues today as “FIESTA DC”. Her dream sprouted more than 15 other volunteer folkloric groups throughout the United States. GRUFOLPAWA is committed to sharing the culture of Panamá and propagating its folklore through music and dance while displaying the warmth of the Panamanian spirit.

During its 40 years of existence, GRUFOLPAWA continues to surpass its audience’s expectations with its array of colorful authentic attire, enthusiastic dancers, vibrant music, and contagious atmosphere, inspiring others to learn about Panamá and its people.

GRUFOLPAWA’s genuine and alluring performances have received innumerable accolades over the years. The group’s artistic exhibitions have taken us to major cities on the East Coast of the United States, as well as Tennessee, Texas, and California. Through GRUFOLPAWA, Panama’s essences has been represented in festivals, parades, church and government activities, private parties, and international community functions. Likewise, GRUFOLPAWA has enriched students from grade school to university with a broader and more diverse appreciation of our multicultural world.

El Grupo Folklórico de Panamá en Washington, DC (GRUFOLPAWA) es una organización, incorporada sin fines de lucro y exonerada de impuestos. Fue fundada a raíz del Festival Latino Americano de Washington, DC, hoy “FIESTA DC”, en el verano de 1976 por la Sra. Olga Small. Se ha dedicado a difundir la cultura de Panamá y propagar su folklore a través de su música, baile, obras teatrales folklóricas y despliegue de calor panameño.

Durante sus 40 años de existencia, GRUFOLPAWA ha superado la expectativa de su público con un despliegue de vestuarios coloridos y auténticos, bailarines entusiastas, música vibrante y su atmósfera contagiosa; creando así un deseo de conocer más sobre Panamá y su gente.

Debido a sus presentaciones autóctonas, GRUFOLPAWA recibe un sin número de invitaciones. Sus presentaciones artísticas lo han llevado a grandes ciudades de la Costa Este de los Estados Unidos, al igual que a Tennessee, Texas y California. A través de GRUFOLPAWA, Panamá ha estado representado en festivales, desfiles, funciones gubernamentales y comunidades internacionales. De igual manera ha brindado a los estudiantes desde la primaria hasta la universidad una apreciación cultural más amplia y diversa.