Panama » Entertainment » Festivals

Festivals of Panama are colourful and vibrant, reflecting the spirit of the Panamanian people. Most of the festivals fall in the dry season, from December to March. There are other events and festivals throughout the year too.

Panama Jazz festival
In January, this 6-days festival takes place at selected venues throughout the country. National and international artists do their best to woo the crowd.
Panama carnival
The carnival is celebrated for four days preceding the Catholic season of Lent. This is the biggest festival in Panama, attracting visitors globally. The colourful and lively carnival features live music, street dancing, parades, traditionally decorated floats with queens and princesses, along with nighttime fireworks and street parties.
Easter
The main religion of the country is Roman Catholicism, so Easter is celebrated with great fanfare throughout the city. Families go to church on holy days and later on celebrate the festival with get-togethers, feasts.
Old Panama City Day
Falls in August, on this day, Panamanians go to Casco Viejo, the old city, to honour and pay homage to the city. This is a day to thank the old city for giving way to the new city that the Panamanians live in today. It also gave the country a rich natural and historical heritage.
Black Christ festival
Black Christ Festival takes place in October in the neighbouring village of Portobelo. The Black Christ statue is paraded through the streets.
Independence Day
On 3rd November, Panama celebrates its independence from neighbouring Columbia with great fanfare and enthusiasm.