Life in Panama naturally follows the rhythm of its national holidays. Streets fill with flags, schools close, and entire towns come together to celebrate history, family, and community. For those living here, or considering making Panama their home, understanding these key dates is more than just practical; it’s part of adapting to the local way of life.
This guide brings together all official holidays for the rest of 2025 and for 2026, including national observances, religious dates, and civic celebrations. You’ll also find links to trusted pages that explain the significance of each event, so you can plan ahead and appreciate what each holiday represents in Panama’s vibrant culture.
Remaining Holidays in 2025
Nov 28 (Fri): Independence from Spain — national holiday.
More info: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/panama/panama-independence-day
On November 28, when Panama celebrates its Independence from Spain, the country comes alive with music, parades, and patriotic spirit. In Panama City and towns like Casco Viejo, the atmosphere turns festive, cafés and plazas fill with people, and many restaurants offer special Panamanian breakfasts and lunches. Locals and visitors often begin the day with dishes like carimañolas, hojaldres, and local coffee at places such as El Trapiche (eltrapicherestaurante.com) or join a Panamanian buffet breakfast at Bazaar Restaurant inside Megapolis Hotel Panama (megapolisworld.com/dining-options/bazaar).
Beyond dining, November 28 invites exploration and festive experiences. Visit the colorful parade route in towns like Boquete, here’s the official route map: Alcaldía de Boquete – Instagram link. You can also join walking tours of Casco Viejo, boat cruises along the Panama Canal area, or other city-and-nature experiences listed on Booking Activities – Panama City.
Dec 8 (Mon): Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) — national holiday.
In Panama, Mother’s Day is celebrated on December 8, one of the country’s most heartfelt holidays. Families usually start the day attending mass and then gather for lunch or brunch, whether at home or in one of the city’s many restaurants offering special menus for the occasion. For example, the Megapolis Hotel Panama is hosting a buffet lunch on December 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at its Bazaar Restaurant (megapolishotelpanama.com). The W Panama Hotel is also featuring a “Mama Brunch” with international cuisine, a sangria and mimosa bar, and live music (Instagram post – Mama Brunch).
Across the country, florists, bakeries, and artisans prepare weeks in advance, while shopping centers host raffles and live performances to mark the day. To learn more about the meaning and history of Mother’s Day in Panama, you can visit officeholidays.com/holidays/panama/panama-mothers-day
Dec 20 (Sat): National Mourning Day — solemn day marking the 1989 events; closures common.
More info: OfficeHolidays – Panama 2025
December 20 is a solemn national day in Panama, honoring the lives lost during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama. It’s a time for reflection rather than celebration; government offices, schools, and many businesses close, and flags are flown at half-mast across the country. Most people spend the day quietly with family or attending memorial events.
Dec 25 (Thu): Christmas Day — national holiday.
More info: Timeanddate – Holidays 2025
In Panama, Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena) and Christmas Day are among the most meaningful holidays of the year. On the evening of December 24, families gather for dinner, exchange gifts at midnight, and share traditional dishes such as tamales, roasted pork (pernil), and arroz con guandú. December 25 is a quieter day spent visiting relatives, attending church, or enjoying family time outdoors.
For visitors, it’s one of the most festive times to experience Panama’s hospitality. Many hotels across the country host Christmas brunches and dinners with live music and holiday menus. In Panama City, the Hotel Central Panama Casco Viejo and the Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino offer elegant seasonal dining experiences. In the interior, The Haven Wellness Resort & Spa Boquete and Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Río Hato provide a serene holiday atmosphere surrounded by nature and top-tier service.
Whether you prefer a mountain getaway in Boquete, a Christmas brunch in Casco Viejo, or a beachside family gathering in the Pacific coast, the season in Panama is defined by warmth, flavor, and a genuine sense of celebration.
2026 Public Holidays
January
Jan 1 (Thu): New Year’s Day — national holiday.
Ref: Timeanddate – Holidays 2026
In Panama, New Year’s Eve (December 31) mixes rooftop celebrations with deep-rooted traditions. Across the country, families gather for dinner and fireworks at midnight, while in Las Tablas the night takes on a cultural twist: locals build colorful año viejos (effigies of the old year) and burn them at midnight, followed by music, street parades, and a strong sense of community. In Panama City, big public concerts and fireworks are typically held along the Cinta Costera, and many hotels and restaurants organize tasting menus, gala dinners, and countdown parties
January 1 is intentionally slower: beach mornings, long New Year’s Day brunches, spa time, or an easy nature outing. If you want bookable experiences for Jan 1 (city tours or day trips), check Booking Activities – Panama
Jan 9 (Fri): Martyrs’ Day — national holiday; most services closed.
Ref: Timeanddate – Holidays 2026
Every January 9, Panama observes Martyrs’ Day (Día de los Mártires), a national day of remembrance honoring the Panamanian students who lost their lives during the 1964 flag riots. It’s a solemn date marked by memorial ceremonies, moments of reflection. Government offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed for the day.
February
Carnival / Carnaval — Feb 14–17, 2026 (Sat–Tue). Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 are mandatory public holidays; festivities nationwide (Las Tablas, Panama City, Penonomé).
Refs: Wikipedia – Panama Carnival dates
Carnival fills the streets of towns like Las Tablas, Penonomé, Chitré, and Santiago with parades, music, and water trucks known as culecos. In Panama City, festivities along the Cinta Costera include concerts and family events. These days are national holidays marked by dance, costumes, and lively traditions that last until midnight on Tuesday.
Las Tablas (Los Santos Province): The most famous Carnival in Panama, known for its parades, queens, elaborate floats, and the friendly rivalry between the two main streets — Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo.
Learn more: The Visitor Panama – Carnival of Las Tablas
Penonomé (Coclé Province): Home of the unique Carnaval Acuático, featuring water parades, decorated boats, and vibrant “mojaderas” that keep everyone cool under the sun.
Learn more: La Cabanga – The Aquatic Carnival of Penonomé
Chitré (Herrera Province): A festive, family-friendly version of Carnival known for its community parades, colorful floats, and children’s events.
Learn more: Panama América – Carnival in Chitré
Official Tourism Site: For updated schedules, regional celebrations, and safety recommendations, visit the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) Carnival Calendar
March / April (Holy Week)
Apr 3 (Fri): Good Friday (Viernes Santo) — national holiday; alcohol restrictions and closures apply.
Refs: OfficeHolidays – Good Friday 2026 • PublicHolidays – Easter
Good Friday in Panama is a quiet, reflective day marked by processions and church visits. Many people attend services at historic sites like Iglesia de San José (Golden Altar) in Casco Viejo (cascoviejo.org), Iglesia del Carmen on Vía España (Parish page), or the 16th-century Basílica Menor Santiago Apóstol in Natá (Lonely Planet overview
May
May 1 (Fri): Labour Day — national holiday.
Ref: OfficeHolidays – Year planner 2026
Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) in Panama honors the country’s workforce and labor movement. It’s a national holiday, with government offices and most businesses closed.
November (Fiestas Patrias)
In November, Panama enters what is widely known as the “Fiestas Patrias” period, a succession of national holidays dedicated to history, culture and patriotism. Key dates include Separation Day (Nov 3), National Symbols Day (Nov 4), Colón Day (Nov 5), Cry for Independence (Villa de Los Santos) (Nov 10) and Independence Day (Nov 28). These celebrations bring parades, patriotic displays and local traditions to towns and cities across the country. For a deeper look at how Panama marks these holidays with cultural events and community pride, check out this overview. (Discover Panama’s Upcoming November Holidays – Casa Solution)
- Nov 3 (Tue): Separation Day from Colombia — national holiday.
- Nov 4 (Wed): Flag Day — widely observed; officially public sector/schools.
- Nov 5 (Thu): Colón Day — national holiday.
- Nov 10 (Tue): Uprising of Los Santos — national holiday.
- Nov 28 (Sat): Independence from Spain — national holiday.
Refs: Timeanddate – Holidays 2026 • Wikipedia – Public holidays in Panama
December
Dec 8 (Tue): Mother’s Day — national holiday.
Ref: Wikipedia – Mother’s Day (Panama)
Dec 20 (Sun): National Mourning Day — solemn observance.
Ref: OfficeHolidays – Year planner 2026
Dec 25 (Fri): Christmas Day — national holiday.
Ref: Timeanddate – Holidays 2026
Stay Updated: How to Find Current Events in Panama
While this guide lists Panama’s major annual events, there are always new concerts, exhibitions, and local celebrations being announced throughout the year. To stay informed and plan your itinerary around what’s happening each month, check these official and updated resources:
- Tourism Panama – Events and Festivals: tourismpanama.com/plan-your-vacation/events-and-festivals-in-panama
The official tourism portal with information on upcoming festivals, local traditions, and regional highlights across the country. - Tourism Panama: tourismpanama.com
Offers travel inspiration, destination guides, and practical information for planning your visit to Panama. - Panatickets – Panama’s Concerts and Events Platform: panatickets.boletosenlinea.events
Continuously updated listings for concerts, sports, theater, and festivals nationwide, with direct links to ticket purchases. - Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP) – Official Calendar: atp.gob.pa/calendario/categoria/eventos
Official monthly calendar of cultural, religious, and national events throughout Panama, managed by the ATP.
Panama’s calendar tells the story of a country rich in tradition, community, and celebration. From the patriotic parades of November to the colorful energy of Carnival and the family warmth of Christmas, each holiday brings travelers closer to the country’s authentic spirit.
For visitors, these dates are more than national observances, they’re opportunities to witness Panama’s culture in motion, enjoy its gastronomy, and take part in the celebrations that unite its people. Whether you’re planning a short stay or considering making Panama your home, aligning your trip with the country’s festive calendar can turn your visit into a truly unforgettable experience.
