If you are planning to visit Panama, here is a list of happenings each month that will help you plan your trip accordingly. Panamanians celebrate their holidays in grand fashion; they do not compromise on anything and there are parades, dances, music and lots of drinking. During these times, all of the shops and institutions are closed and people stay out on the streets all day. These experiences are unique and will make your trip here all the more eventful and memorable.
Here’s your monthly Panama Guide to help you make your trip more effective.
January
January is one of the best months to visit Panama as the dry season starts and the tropical heat is milder compared to other months. Moreover, there are several popular events that take place.
Panama Jazz Festival
This music festival brings in thousands of people from all over Latin America to the capital to share a memorable jazz experience. It was founded in 2003, by pianist Danilo Perez, and it happens every year. Throughout the week, there are multiple concerts and master classes by renowned musicians from around the world. It ends with an amazing free concert at the Plaza de la Independencia.
February
It is a great month as the famous Carnaval takes place!
Carnaval
Carnaval is the most colorful and amazing celebration in all of Panama, but it is best celebrated in Las Tablas, Azuero. This festival kicks off four days before Ash Wednesday and has a different theme for each day. The town is divided into two groups, the upper and lower street, with each having a queen. The queens are introduced on Saturday night and crowned on Sunday. The masquerade takes place on Monday and a don polleras for the townswomen on Tuesday. Throughout Carnaval, people dress up in festive wear with each trying to outdo the other. The Carnaval is, in short, four days of dressing up, dancing, drinking and parading all over town! It is a vibrant and impressive display of culture that brings the entire nation together.
March
Semana Santa
During the week before Easter, there are several reenactments of biblical passages and important events like the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Feria Internacional de David
This is the largest festival related to the production sector that takes place in the capital of the Chiriqui Province. It is a huge fair that goes on for ten days in March. There are participants from all over the world, including the United States and Europe. The exhibits deal with agriculture, cattle farming, industry, and tourism as well. Adding to this, there are several depictions of Panamanian folkloric traditions through dances and music.
April
Feria Internacional de Azuero
This fair is mainly based on agriculture and takes place for five days in late April, in the town of La Villa de Los Santos in Azuero. Along with several agriculture and cattle-related stalls, folk performances also take place.
May
In addition to the start of the wet season in Panama, the nesting period for exotic turtles like the green sea, loggerhead and humpback also begins. From September to November, it is possible to spot these creatures laying their eggs on the shores. Depending on the Easter dates, Corpus Christi is also sometimes held in May.
June
Corpus Christi
A festival that will leave you stunned for a very long time! Corpus Christi is the quintessential Panamanian festival that takes place sixty days after Good Friday. The traditional processions of the festival involve the cross being carried through the streets and men dressed up as devils to symbolize evil chase people all over the streets. Throughout the festival, people dress up, drink, dance and parade all over town. On the closing day of the festival, the great devil is chased out of the church by the good devils to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The performances are very dramatic and will leave you with a lasting impression.
July
La Pollera Festival
The dream of every Panamanian woman is to wear the pollera at least once in their lives. It is the traditional dress of the women here and is often described as the most beautiful dress in the world. You are now curious to see it, aren’t you? All you have to do is head to Las Tablas in Azuero to witness thousands of women adorning this beautiful piece and dancing to rhythmic traditional music.
August
The rainy season carries on and humpback whales can be spotted in the Las Perlas archipelago as it is their breeding season.
Festival del Manito Ocueno
This three-day event takes place in the third week of August in the village of Ocu. It is mainly a cultural fest featuring multiple performances of folk dances, music, and a country wedding as well.
September
Festival Nacional de la Mejorana
A colorful and breathtaking event, this festival takes place in late September in the Guarare district of the Azuero Peninsula. Dance groups from all over the country, and even other Latin American countries, come here annually for this fiesta. You can witness a fusion of folk dances at these parades. Devil dances are very common and thousands flock here to witness the performances. The music, costumes, and dances display the rich culture of these ethnic groups and you will have an experience you could have never imagined!
Feria del Mar
It is a sea fair that is held on an island a little away from Bocas town. It takes place in Isla El Istmito. It goes on for a week and has a carnival-like atmosphere with rides, stalls, games, and performances.
October
Festival de Cristo Negro
It is dedicated to the statue of Black Christ that is present in the Iglesia de San Felipe in Portobelo. The statue is dressed in wine-red robes and carried in a procession throughout the town. Along with religious ceremonies, drinking is also included. The followers sometimes dress up in robes as well.
November
This is a great time to spot at least four species of turtles – the leatherback, green sea, hawksbill, and bighead come to lay their eggs, especially in Isla Canas.
Independence Day
An interesting fact about Panama is that it celebrates two independence days. On November 3rd, they mark their separation from Colombia and on November 28th, they celebrate their independence from Spain. November 3rd also signifies the end of the Thousand Days War. There are beautiful folklorico performances along with formal parades by the military and armed forces.
Colon Day
Colon Day is celebrated on November 5th every year to remember how the people of Colon averted a march by the Colombian Army. On this day in 1903, Colon successfully separated from Colombia and this played a pivotal role in securing Panama’s independence. It is celebrated with great pomp and pride in Colon.
December
It marks the end of the wet season. The climate is pleasant and a good time to stay out without experiencing too much heat.
Christmas
There will be usual the Christmas celebrations here with traditional masses and processions in some places.
New Year’s Eve
What better way to ring in the year than partying on the beautiful Caribbean coast? Head out to some of the best islands here for crazy parties that go on all night.
Extra Tip:
Make sure you book your stay in advance if you plan to visit during huge festivals like the Carnaval; prices might be slightly higher as well. When you witness or take part in any of the festivals or events, make sure you adhere to the norms and do not indulge in anything that might offend the locals.
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