Best Events in Panama

Major National Celebrations & Carnivals

Please be aware that these major national events draw immense crowds, both local and international. This significantly impacts travel logistics, leading to limited hotel availability and congested transportation. We strongly advise booking all accommodations and transport far in advance if your travel dates coincide with these celebrations.

Carnaval de Panamá

When: The four days leading up to Ash Wednesday (typically February or early March).

What to Expect: A massive, nationwide celebration marks one of the most important holidays in the country. You will find parades, elaborate and vibrant costumes featuring the Carnaval queens or “reinas”, and constant traditional music and dancing. Be prepared for the “culecos”, large water trucks that spray the crowds to help everyone stay cool in the tropical heat.

Best Places to Experience:

• Panama City (Cinta Costera): This is the largest and most organized celebration, featuring major stages with big-name musical artists and a grand parade along the waterfront.
• Las Tablas: For the most traditional and famously extravagant Carnaval, head to Las Tablas. The town is known for its intense but friendly rivalry between two districts, “Calle Arriba” and “Calle Abajo” (Uptown and Downtown), who compete for the most spectacular floats and costumes.
• Penonomé: Another destination renowned for its lively and popular celebration, offering a slightly different but equally energetic atmosphere.

Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays in November)

November is known as “Mes de la Patria”, or the Month of the Homeland. The entire month is filled with patriotic sentiment, marked by multiple official holidays and parades across the country celebrating Panama’s journey to sovereignty.

November 3: Separation Day from Colombia

Details: This day commemorates Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903, establishing it as an independent republic. The most significant celebrations occur in Panama City and provincial capitals, with large, formal parades featuring school bands, community groups, and government institutions.

November 4: Flag Day

Details: A day dedicated to honoring the Panamanian flag. Official ceremonies and smaller, more solemn parades continue, paying respect to this national symbol.

November 10: “Primer Grito de Independencia” in La Villa de Los Santos

Details: This holiday celebrates the first call for independence from Spain, which took place in the town of La Villa de Los Santos in 1821. The main festivities are centered here, featuring beautiful parades where many participants wear the traditional “polleras.”

November 28: Independence Day from Spain

Details: Marking the date of full independence from Spain in 1821, this day is celebrated with more official parades and civic ceremonies throughout the nation.

Cultural & Folkloric Festivals

These festivals offer a remarkable opportunity to witness the deep cultural traditions of Panama. From the artistry of its national dress to unique displays of religious syncretism, these events provide an authentic glimpse into the soul of the country.

Desfile de las Mil Polleras (Parade of a Thousand Polleras)

When: A Saturday in mid-January.

Where: Las Tablas.

What to Expect: A visually stunning parade that showcases thousands of women and girls adorned in the “pollera”, Panama’s intricate and beautiful national dress. Each pollera is a handmade masterpiece, often passed down through generations. This event is a highlight for anyone interested in photography, textiles, and cultural heritage.

Festival Nacional de la Mejorana en Guararé

When: Late September.

Where: Guararé, Los Santos Province.

What to Expect: This is widely considered Panama’s most important folkloric festival. It is a five-day immersion into traditional music, dance, and customs. The festival includes competitions for virtuoso accordion players, singers of traditional “décimas”, and folk dancers, offering an authentic experience of Panamanian rural culture.

Festival del Cristo Negro de Portobelo (Black Christ Festival)

When: October 21.

Where: Portobelo, Colón Province.

What to Expect: A powerful and intense religious pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees. Many participants, often dressed in purple robes, walk for miles to the church in Portobelo to pay homage to the revered Black Christ