| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Jan 09,2023 | Martyr's Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Feb 18,2023 | Carnival | Observance |
| Sunday | Feb 19,2023 | Carnival | Observance |
| Monday | Feb 20,2023 | Carnival / Shrove Monday | Common local holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 21,2023 | Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Feb 22,2023 | Carnival / Ash Wednesday | Common local holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 06,2023 | Maundy Thursday | Bank holiday |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday, Christian |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Holy Saturday | Bank holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Foundation of Old Panama City | Common local holiday |
| Friday | Nov 03,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Nov 04,2023 | National Symbols Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Nov 05,2023 | Colón Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Nov 10,2023 | Shout in Villa de los Santos | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Nov 28,2023 | Independence from Spain | National holiday |
| Friday | Dec 08,2023 | Mother's Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Dec 20,2023 | National Day of Mourning | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Bank holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Bank holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Año Nuevo" in Panama, is celebrated on January 1st each year. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for Panamanians to come together with family and friends to celebrate and make resolutions for the year ahead. The holiday is filled with festive gatherings, fireworks, and parties, and it holds cultural importance as it symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and a fresh start. People often make traditional dishes and share meals with loved ones, creating cherished memories to carry into the upcoming year.
Martyr's Day, or "Día de los Mártires," is observed on January 9th in Panama. This holiday commemorates the young people who lost their lives during the events leading up to the 1964 Panama Canal Zone conflict. It is a day to remember and honor their sacrifices for the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Panamanians pay tribute through various activities, including parades, ceremonies, and educational programs that emphasize the significance of patriotism and unity.
Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration that occurs in Panama in the days leading up to Lent. The exact dates may vary each year, but it typically falls in February or March. Panama City and various other regions come alive with vibrant parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. This pre-Lenten festivity is an opportunity for Panamanians to revel in the joy of life, indulge in delicious food, and immerse themselves in their rich cultural heritage. Carnival represents a fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions, making it a culturally significant event in Panama.
Maundy Thursday, known as "Jueves Santo" in Panama, is part of Holy Week and falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. On this day, many Panamanians participate in religious services, processions, and reenactments of biblical events. It is a time for reflection, devotion, and expressing faith. Maundy Thursday holds cultural importance as it is a key component of Panama's religious heritage, showcasing the strong influence of Catholicism in the country.
Good Friday, or "Viernes Santo," is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a significant religious holiday in Panama. Many Panamanians attend church services and take part in processions that depict the Stations of the Cross. Some communities even organize reenactments of the Passion of Christ. Good Friday is a day of solemnity and reflection, emphasizing the religious beliefs deeply rooted in Panamanian culture.
Easter Sunday, or "Domingo de Resurrección," is celebrated on the first Sunday after Good Friday. It is a joyous occasion that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Panamanians attend special church services and often engage in family gatherings and festive meals. Easter eggs are also a part of the celebration. Easter Sunday represents the triumph of life over death and is a time for Panamanians to express their Christian faith and spend quality time with loved ones.
Labor Day, also known as "Día del Trabajador" or May Day, is celebrated on May 1st in Panama. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and labor unions. Panamanians participate in parades, demonstrations, and various labor-related events to advocate for workers' rights and better working conditions. The holiday symbolizes solidarity among the labor force and the importance of fair labor practices in Panama's society.
The Foundation of Old Panama City, celebrated on August 15th, commemorates the founding of Panama City by Spanish explorer Pedro Arias Dávila in 1519. It is a historical and cultural holiday that highlights Panama's colonial past. Various activities, including reenactments, historical exhibitions, and cultural performances, take place to honor the city's rich heritage. This holiday serves as a reminder of Panama's deep historical roots and the blending of indigenous and European cultures.
Independence Day, known as "Día de la Independencia," is celebrated on November 3rd in Panama. It marks the country's separation from Colombia in 1903. Panamanians celebrate with patriotic parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events that showcase their national identity and unity. Independence Day holds great cultural significance as it signifies Panama's sovereignty and the enduring spirit of its people.
National Symbols Day, observed on November 4th, is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Panama's national symbols, including the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem. Panamanians participate in educational activities, ceremonies, and exhibitions that emphasize the importance of these symbols in their history and identity. It is a day to instill a sense of pride and cultural awareness among the population.
Colón Day, or "Día de Colón," is celebrated on November 5th in honor of Christopher Columbus's arrival in Panama in 1502. The holiday highlights the historical connection between Panama and the age of exploration. Communities in Colón Province often organize parades, cultural displays, and activities that showcase their cultural diversity and heritage. Colón Day serves as a reminder of Panama's role in the discovery of the New World.
Independence from Spain, celebrated on November 28th, commemorates Panama's declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1821. This historic event is remembered through patriotic ceremonies, cultural performances, and educational programs that emphasize Panama's struggle for autonomy. It is a day to honor the nation's journey towards independence and to recognize the enduring legacy of those who fought for Panama's freedom.
Mother's Day, or "Día de las Madres," is celebrated on December 8th in Panama. It is a day to honor and show appreciation for mothers and mother figures. Panamanians often give gifts, flowers, and heartfelt cards to their mothers, and many families gather for special meals. This holiday holds significant cultural importance as it highlights the cherished role of mothers in Panamanian society and the strong family bonds that are valued in the country.
Christmas Eve, or "Nochebuena," is celebrated on December 24th and is a time for Panamanians to come together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by festive gatherings, traditional dishes, and the lighting of the "candle of the Christ Child." Christmas Eve holds cultural importance as it showcases the fusion of Catholic traditions with indigenous and African influences, creating a unique and heartfelt celebration.
Christmas Day, or "Día de Navidad," is celebrated on December 25th in Panama. It is a day when families exchange gifts and enjoy special meals together. Churches hold services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time of joy, generosity, and spiritual reflection, and it represents the strong Christian traditions and cultural values that are integral to Panama's identity.
New Year's Eve, known as "Nochevieja," is celebrated on December 31st, marking the end of the year. Panamanians bid farewell to the old year with festive parties, fireworks, and various traditions aimed at attracting good luck for the upcoming year. It is a time for reflection on the past year's experiences and anticipation of the opportunities that the new year will bring. New Year's Eve is a culturally significant occasion for Panamanians to gather and celebrate together.
