Panama Public Holidays 2025
Panama has 10 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 9 Jan | Thu | Martyrs' Day | public |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Shrove Monday | observance |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Shrove Tuesday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 3 Nov | Mon | Separation Day (from Columbia) | public |
| 10 Nov | Mon | Primer Grito de Independencia | public |
| 28 Nov | Fri | Independence Day | public |
| 8 Dec | Mon | Mother's Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Panama's Holidays
Panama celebrates a mix of national pride, religion, and culture. Key holidays mark independence and national unity with parades, flags, and civic ceremonies. These days bring school closures, official events, and festive public enjoyment across the country.
Religious festivals, especially Holy Week and Christmas, shape family life. People attend church, share meals, and enjoy public traditions like processions and nativity scenes. These holidays influence music, food, and community customs in towns and cities alike.
Cultural celebrations honor Afro Caribbean, Indigenous, and Spanish roots. Events showcase colorful folk dances, traditional costumes, and local cuisine. Carnival before Lent is the biggest party, with music, dancing, and street celebrations that attract both locals and visitors.
Holiday Traditions
In Panama holidays blend family, faith, and national pride. People often attend church services or local ceremonies. Traditions mix Spanish, indigenous, and Afro Caribbean influences that shape music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Food is central to celebrations. Families cook dishes like rice with meat, tamales, fried fish, and sweet cakes. Meals bring relatives together to share stories and pass down recipes from grandparents to children.
Public celebrations fill streets with parades, bandas, and dancing. Parks and plazas host concerts and folkloric shows. Small towns often hold fairs with crafts, horses, and traditional games that everyone can enjoy.
Overall, holidays in Panama are warm, loud, and communal. They focus on togetherness, remembering history, and celebrating the countrys rich cultural mix.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season in Panama (pa) many government offices and banks close or have shorter hours. Small shops and neighborhood markets may close on big days. Tourist sites often stay open but can use special hours.
Flights, buses and ferries get very busy. Book plane and long distance bus tickets early. Local buses may run on different schedules. Taxis and ride apps are available but fares can rise and wait times can increase.
Expect big crowds in Panama City and popular beaches. Reserve hotels and tours well in advance. Carry some cash in small bills, keep copies of your documents, and allow extra travel time for delays.