TESTING What you've discovered here in Panama City is a rather unusual, yet iconic, sight: a giant statue of a character commonly known as a "Shriner." This larger-than-life figure is a representation of a member of the Shriners International, a fraternal organization notable for its distinctive fez hats and its extensive philanthropic work, particularly with Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners, originally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.), are an appendant body to Freemasonry. To become a Shriner, a man must first be a Master Mason. Founded in New York City in 1870, the organization adopted Middle Eastern themes, including the fez, as part of their lodge rituals and attire. The fez, as worn by this statue, is typically red and often features a black tassel, along with an embroidered emblem unique to each Shrine temple (the local chapters). While the particular symbol on this statue's fez says "100 Año" which translates to "100 Year," indicating a centennial celebration or milestone for this specific temple, the most common symbol found on a Shriner fez is a scimitar, a crescent, and a star.

Beyond their unique aesthetics and fraternal bonds, the Shriners are globally recognized for their significant charitable endeavors. Since 1922, their primary philanthropy has been the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 healthcare facilities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico that provide specialized medical care to children, regardless of a family's ability to pay. They focus on orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

In Panama, the Shriners are an active presence, with a local temple that contributes to the organization's widespread charitable activities. Large statues like this one often serve as eye-catching markers for businesses or institutions and, in this case, likely signify the presence of a local Shrine center or a building associated with their operations. Its glossy maroon pants and slightly stylized, almost cartoonish face might look a bit unusual or humorous to those unfamiliar with the organization’s sometimes whimsical public persona, but it’s a deliberate design choice that makes it instantly recognizable to locals and a curious discovery for visitors.