Victorio Vergara: 25 years without ‘El tigre de la candelaria’

Today marks 25 years since the physical disappearance of one of the greatest accordionists of Panamanian music, Victorio Vergara Batista, “El Tigre de la Candelaria”.

He “Mandamás”, as he was also called, died on July 21 at the age of 54 in Panama City. Victorio Vergara could not attend the presentation in La Chorrera, nor could he attend the festivities of his patron Saint Librada, which coincided with his death.

People who were with Victoria Vergara in the 24 hours before he suffered a massive stroke on July 18, 1998, testified that “Candelaria Tiger” I was really happy.

His death was one of the most shocking events in the news in 1998, with no artist receiving the posthumous honors he received.

“What is a proven fact is that no Panamanian artist, throughout republican history, has received the posthumous honors that Victorio has received and will continue to receive until the end of the year. And, above all, because the manifestations of pain (rows of mourners and displays of pain) were spontaneous,” quoted by dCrítica newspaper, July 26, 1998.

Porras de Las Tablas Park was packed with Victorio’s friends and followers. “The one with full houses” he obeyed as always, the newspaper reported.

On that occasion, various artists including Osvaldo Ayala, Sammy Sandoval, Manuel de Jesús Ábrego and Ulpiano Vergara. and the most recognized kings of the Panamanian keyboard sang their best notes in honor of “Tiger”.

On that occasion, “Mogollon” he did not end the dance between sweat and joy, it was a synonym of farewell that separated his family, friends and country, faithfully following the trajectory of the “Typical Panamanian Music Boss”.

“Victorio… we will never forget you… How can we forget you Victorio… Victorio, the music and soul of the Tabla people… Santa Librada is with you Victorio”, were some of the phrases that the audience shouted at the dismissal of “El Bosso”, he described Criticism.

Some of his successes: “We live a secret”, “Baby”, “Our romance”, “Get away from me”, “La viudita de la Miel”, “For the Cedar, Idem ja”, “The Birthday Girl”, “I remember you and I miss you” and “The sin of love”, continue to be effective generation after generation.

His accordion has fallen silent, but his music still lives in the minds and hearts of those who today, 25 years later, recognize him as the “Immortal of typical Panamanian music”.