Shrove Monday 2025

Description

Shrove Monday in Panama is the Monday before Ash Wednesday. It falls during Carnival week and is one of the last days before the Christian season of Lent begins. The date moves each year with Easter, usually in February or March.

This day means people are preparing to enter a time of reflection and religious observance. In the Christian calendar it marks the final day before forty days of Lent. Lent is a period for some people to fast or give things up.

In Panama the day is also a national holiday. It brings together family, friends, and communities to mark an important moment in the yearly cycle. The holiday blends both religious meaning and national cultural identity.

Shrove Monday is significant because it links faith and community life. It reminds people of traditions passed through generations. It also signals a pause, a transition from celebration to quieter reflection.

Traditions

On Shrove Monday in Panama people fill streets with loud music, drums, and dancing. Colorful comparsas and floats move through towns. Many wear masks, costumes, and painted faces while groups perform traditional folk dances and tamborito rhythms.

Water fights are very common. Neighbors spray hoses, throw water from trucks, and use foam and confetti to celebrate. Food stalls sell tamales, empanadas, fried snacks, and sweet drinks like chicha. Ceremonies often include the crowning of a carnival queen and playful parades where families and friends join in singing, eating, and dancing late into the day.

Travel Tips

Shrove Monday can mean some shops, banks, and offices are closed or have shorter hours. Plan ahead for limited services, carry cash, check public transport schedules, and expect crowds near popular events and parks.

Stay with your group, watch your belongings in busy areas, drink water, wear comfortable shoes, and join public events or family-friendly activities for a safe, meaningful experience.