From the 1970s until the 2010s, the term Diablo Rojo (Red Devil) was ubiquitous throughout Panama. That was the name of the fantastically painted, independently owned city buses that used to cruise through Panama City by the dozens at all hours of the day. These were old American school buses that were brought down to Panama to turn into public transit and tour buses. When creative bus drivers got hold of them, they painted them with beautiful street artwork, depicting people, spiritual beings, plants, animals, or whatever the bus owner wanted. They were a common sight throughout Panama, particularly the capital, Panama City. In 2013, the Diablo Rojo buses were banned in Panama City, but you can still hitch a ride on one in rural areas and other smaller cities throughout Panama.
Exploring the Iconic Diablo Rojo Buses of Panama
Ask around the next time you’re in Panama and people will tell you stories of their experiences on the Diablo Rojo buses of Panama. They’re the stuff of legend in this country. In 2013, Panama City banned them and replaced them with a more regulated metro bus system that had a standard schedule and routes.
In the “good old days” depending on who you ask, Diablo Rojo buses could take you anywhere you wanted to go, as long as you didn’t mind the small seats made for American school children, the bumpy ride through congested Panama City streets, and the whims of the driver, who in many cases owned the bus, set their schedule and drove essentially where they wanted.
The History of Panama's Diablo Rojo: From Public Transport to Cultural Symbol
Despite Diablo Rojo buses being illegal in Panama City since 2010, many people want to bring them back, if not to replace the new metro bus system, but for tourism or as an alternative mode of transportation. Advocates cite the Diablo Rojo buses as a cultural touchstone for Panama, a unique feature of their country.
After General Omar Efraín Torrijos Herrera took power in Panama in the 1970s, he privatized the public bus system, handing over transport services throughout the country to private entrepreneurs who got themselves American school buses. This created the Diablo Rojos domination of Panama. Drivers imported thousands of American school buses that had been retired and soon began creating lavish designs on their buses to distinguish themselves from the competition. Soon, every public transport bus in Panama City had striking designs painted by local artists and the owners of the buses themselves.
Art on Wheels: the Unique Designs of Diablo Rojo Buses
The 1970s under Herrera were the golden age of Diablo Rojo buses in Panama, but the beautiful and intense paintings on the side of the buses that became their central feature were pioneered twenty years earlier. Local Panamanian artist Andres Salazar is considered the first to start experimenting with bus painting in the 1950s. He started doing this for his uncle to give them a new identity and create some flair for the country’s new transportation system. Salazar never thought his hobby would spark a cultural phenomenon. Most visual artists of the time jumped on the bandwagon and painted buses for drivers all over the city.
The Life Aboard a Diablo Rojo: Stories from the Road
Many Panamanians have stories of adventures aboard a Diablo Rojo bus. Usually this mode of transport was known for its efficiency, but the experience was a loud one. In addition to squeaky brakes, lumbering engines, and other noises from old buses, they were also known for their loud music. Drivers would blast local music from speakers on the bus for extra recognition. Other drivers sprung for novelty horns or even sirens.
The Transition of Diablo Rojo Buses: From Mainstream to Memory
Panama and especially Panama City experienced a rapid modernization effort in the 2010s. In 2013, more than 1000 Diablo Rojo buses were taken off the road by the government (now a democratic government). Their operators were compensated $25,000 for their vehicles and many of them became government bus drivers.
Most of the old Diablo Rojo buses were dismantled for parts or left to rust in a field near the old US Howard Air Force Base. But many artists keep the artistic tradition alive by writing about the buses and recreating their over-the-top designs.
The Enduring Allure of Diablo Rojo Buses and Why They Remain a Must-See in Panama
Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Panamanian culture with a ride on the iconic Diablo Rojo buses. These flamboyantly decorated buses are not just a means of transportation; they are rolling canvases that showcase the artistic zeal and spirited essence of Panama. Each bus, with its intricate designs and bold colours, tells a story, offering passengers a unique glimpse into the local lore and traditions.
But the experience doesn’t stop with the journey. Quartier offers you the perfect accommodations to complement your cultural exploration. Stay with us, and you’ll have the perfect base to dive deeper into the Panamanian way of life, resting in comfort after your adventures. Our accommodations are strategically located to give you the best of Panama, ensuring you’re never far from your next discovery.