Holidays and Festivals in Panama

1. Panamanians are a people and culture who take their holidays and festivals seriously.

2. The religion of Panama is predominantly Roman Catholic, so it is not uncommon for many of the country's holidays and festivals to have ties to the church.

3. Boquete Jazz and Blues festival The mountainside town and coffee-growing region is home to this annual music festival held in March.

4. Carnaval Panama’s most massive Carnaval celebration is in the small town of Las Tablas (pop. 8,000) on the Azuero Peninsula. The celebration here involves parades, floats, music, dancing, and serious partying

5. Holy Week Held during Easter week, this festival is celebrated all over Panama. During this time you will see spectacular parades through the streets telling the biblical story. Depending on the town or city, the festival lasts up to five days, finishing on Good Friday.

6. Corpus Christi Is a catholic holiday that commemorates the Eucharist. Its roots date back 1251, when Pope Urban IV sanctioned it. These days, Panama’s biggest celebration is in the town of La Villa de Los Santos on the Azuero Peninsula.

7. Chiriqui Highlands Flower and Coffee Festival After full bloom and a fresh harvest, you will be treated to glorious sights and smells at this ten day festival held every January. It is held in and around the town of Boquete.

8. Bocas Del Toro Sea Fair Held for four days in September every year, the “Feria del Mar” (Sea Fair) in Bocas del Toro is a spectacular event that celebrates the archipelago’s fishing traditions. There is plenty of music and dancing, and also a showcase for traditional handicraft products. The festival is held on Ismito beach near Bocas town.

9. December 8 History of Panama Mother's Day Mother's Day is a national holiday in Panama. In the Roman Catholic Church, it is observed on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

10. Bands composed of drums and trumpets, called Dianas are traditional and are a big part of November’s national holidays. November 3 – Separation from Colombia This is the beginning of las Fiesta Patrias (Patriotic Parties) in Panama. The day commemorates November 3, 1903 when, with the support of the US, Panama leaders declared the Republic of Panama a fully sovereign nation. November 4 – Flag Day On November 4 1903, the Panamanian flag was flown for the first time. The blue, red and white flag represents purity and honesty (blue), law and authority (red) and peace (white). November 5 – Colon Day. November 10 – The Uprising in Los Santos On November 10, 1821, El Primer Grito (the first cry) for independence came from the village of Los Santos. November 28 – Independence Day On November 28 1821, Panama gained its independence from Spain.