List of 12 public holidays in Panama for 2026, including New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day, Carnival Tuesday and more.
Panama's holiday culture is a spirited blend of deep-rooted Catholic traditions and intense national pride, most notably during the month-long 'Fiestas Patrias' in November and the high-energy Carnival celebrations in February. It is a time when the streets come alive with 'pollera' dresses, marching bands, and folkloric dances.
Expect major disruptions during Carnival (four days before Ash Wednesday) and November. The Inter-American Highway faces gridlock as urbanites travel to the interior. Public offices and most private businesses close, and public transportation schedules become highly unpredictable.
Scheduling business meetings during November or the Carnival season is discouraged as many executives take extended leave. If you must conduct business, plan well in advance and expect a slower pace. Offering a polite 'Felices fiestas' at the start of interactions is standard.
Visit in November to witness the patriotic parades or in February for the Carnival experience. To avoid the logistical challenges and price surges of these peaks, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April or May.
Common greetings include '¡Viva Panamá!' during independence holidays, '¡Feliz Carnaval!' for the February festivities, and '¡Felices Fiestas!' or '¡Feliz Navidad!' during the year-end season.