Panama city Events and Festivals

Panama Jazz Festival: Lovers of this popular musical genre from Panama City and the rest of the country converge at a selection of venues to appreciate performances by national and international artists. The festival generally runs for six days.

Panama Carnival: Beginning traditionally on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, Carnival in Panama City is officially a four-day affair (some events begin before or after) and sees brightly coloured parades, street parties, fireworks, dance and music performances and more. Few people work on the festival’s official days so visitors may find regular services and amenities somewhat restricted. Carnival can also fall in March depending on the Christian calendar.

Carnival Tuesday: Carnival Tuesday is a public holiday and the second official day of carnival celebrations in Panama. It can fall in February just as easily as in March depending on the Christian calendar.

Easter: As Roman Catholicism is the country’s chief religion, the Easter season is given great emphasis throughout Panama. In Panama City, locals put religious observances first with trips to church on holy days but after that they are free to enjoy get-together with friends and family and enjoy egg-painting and feasting traditions.

Labour Day: Shops close and services are at a minimum as the majority of locals in Panama City enjoy a public holiday.

Old Panama City Day: The people of Panama City enjoy a day off to pay tribute to the Casco Viejo without which they would not have the modern city that they live in nor the wealth of history and heritage that the continued existence of the former offers.

Festival of the Black Christ: Held in the neighbouring village of Portobelo, the famous Festival of the Black Christ is an annual affair that sees a statue of Jesus paraded through the streets in honour of the curious historic events that passed before it became a permanent part of the village.

Independence from Colombia: Panamanians in the capital city and across the country, enjoy a public holiday in acknowledgement of their country securing independence from neighbouring Columbia.

Mother's Day: Mothers across the city are given the special treatment on this day, typically being showered with gifts and flowers from appreciative offspring before enjoying family get-togethers either at home or at the city’s restaurants.