How to Pronounce David, Panama

Meaning and Context

David, officially known as San José de David, is the capital of Panama's Chiriquí Province and the third-largest city in the country, serving as the undisputed commercial and transportation hub of western Panama. Founded in 1602 by Spanish colonists, the city has evolved from a colonial outpost into a dynamic urban center, characterized by its intense tropical heat and a bustling economy centered on agriculture, cattle ranching, and trade. Its strategic location in the fertile Chiriquí Highlands, approximately 35 kilometers from the Costa Rican border via the Inter-American Highway, makes it a critical logistical node for both domestic commerce and international overland travel. Key attractions and cultural touchstones include the annual Feria de San José de David, a vibrant festival celebrating the city's patron saint, and its role as the primary gateway to the pristine highland destinations of Boquete and Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak. For travelers and businesses alike, David is an essential stop for accessing Panama's renowned coffee region, Pacific beaches like Las Lajas, and the border crossing at Paso Canoas.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling of the city is simply David, though its full formal name is San José de David. Common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from phonetic interpretations or confusion with the common personal name. Frequent incorrect variations include Davíd (adding an unnecessary accent), Davide, and Davit. In online searches, users may also mistakenly combine terms, searching for "David Panama City," which can lead to confusion with Panama City, the nation's capital. Another occasional error is the omission of the comma in "David, Panama," which is crucial for distinguishing the city from the personal name in search queries and written text. When referring to the province, it is important to note the distinction: David is the city, while Chiriquí is the province.

Example Sentences

After landing at Enrique Malek International Airport, we spent our first night in David before embarking on the scenic drive up to the cooler climate of Boquete.

Many exporters use the city of David as their central warehouse due to its excellent connectivity via the Inter-American Highway to both Panama City and the Costa Rican border.

The Feria de San José de David transforms the city every March with lively rodeos, musical performances, and agricultural exhibitions.

For a taste of local commerce, the Mercado Público de David offers everything from fresh tropical produce to traditional handicrafts.

Despite its reputation as a hot and busy commercial center, David provides convenient access to some of Panama's most stunning natural attractions, including the volcanic highlands and Pacific coast beaches.

Related Pronunciations

• How to pronounce Gustavia
• How to pronounce Tulcán
• How to pronounce Pasto
• How to pronounce Victória
• How to pronounce Uberlândia