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Festivals in Panama are full of music, dance, food, and colorful parades all year round. Some festivals are about religion, while others are just about having fun. People here know how to have fun regardless of the cause. Families gather, children play in the streets and everyone celebrates. These celebrations take place in cities large and small. While some are quiet and meaningful, others are noisy and thrilling. Visiting during one of these occasions will allow you to experience a side of Panama brimming with heart and vitality.
Top 13 Amazing Festivals In Panama
Check out these popular festivals in Panama. These festivals in Panama are packed with culture, food and lots of dance and music.
1. Carnival
Photo: Ruejose / Wikimedia Commons
Carnival is the biggest and wildest festival in Panama. It happens just before Lent, in February or March. For four full days, the country goes into party mode. Las Tablas is the most famous spot, with queens, floats, and lots of music. People dance, wear bright costumes, and spray water on everyone. During the day, trucks go around splashing water to cool down the crowd. At night, the streets light up with fireworks and dancing. Most cities and towns join the fun, but nothing beats Las Tablas. If you like noise, fun, and color, this is your kind of festival.
Best Place: Las Tablas
Main Highlights: Water parades, night floats and loud music.
Tip: Wear quick-dry clothes and comfy shoes
2. Semana Santa
Photo: Dennis Sylvester Hurd / Wikimedia Commons
Semana Santa means Holy Week. It happens in March or April, just before Easter. This week is all about quiet prayers and slow processions. You’ll see people carrying crosses, lighting candles, and walking through the streets in silence. In towns like Las Tablas and Panama City, these events feel special. The music is soft, the mood is calm, and people dress in simple clothes. On Good Friday, some even walk barefoot to show respect. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s full of meaning. This is when Panama takes a break from parties and turns to faith.
Best Places: Las Tablas, Panama City
Vibe: Peaceful, respectful, very calm
3. Feria De Las Flores Y Del Café
Photo: Paricutina / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This fair happens in January in Boquete, a town in the mountains. The weather is cool, and the flowers are beautiful. The streets fill with colorful blooms, local food, music, and of course, coffee. People come from all over to see the flower gardens and taste fresh coffee made in the region. There are booths with handmade items, fun rides for kids, and plenty of snacks to try. The mix of flowers and coffee smells great. The whole place feels like a big picnic with music in the background.
Location: Boquete, Chiriquí
Top Attractions: Flower shows, coffee tastings, craft stalls
Best For: Families and anyone who loves nature
4. Festival De La Mejorana
Photo: Rgarciacq / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In September, Guararé hosts this fun and friendly festival. It is one of the important cultural festivals in Panama. It’s all about Panamanian culture—music, dancing, clothes, and traditions. People play the méjorana, a small guitar. Dancers wear the famous pollera dress and sombreros. Horses walk through the town in parades, and local bands play all day. This festival keeps old customs alive. People come to sing, clap, and cheer. It feels like going back in time but in the best way. Everyone is proud of their roots, and they love to share them.
Location: Guararé, Los Santos
Must-See: Traditional dances, horse parades, folk music
Tip: Buy handmade crafts sold at roadside stalls.
5. Fiestas Patrias
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
November is a busy month in Panama. It has many national holidays like Separation Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. Every town has parades with students, marching bands, and people waving flags. Roads close, and the streets become party zones. In Panama City, schools and workers take time off to join or watch the parades. You’ll hear drums, see floats, and feel the energy. Families also go on trips during this time, making it a fun and busy month for everyone.
Best Time: First two weeks of November
Best Places: Panama City, Colon, Santiago
Tip: Book your stay early—it gets crowded
6. Corpus Christi
Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons
This festival comes 60 days after Easter and mixes religion with drama. In towns like La Villa de Los Santos, people dress as devils and angels and dance in the streets. The dances tell stories about good and evil. The devil masks are bright and scary, made by hand and passed down through families. People go to church in the morning, then enjoy the shows outside. It’s fun to watch, even if you don’t understand every part. The festival is full of music, tradition, and colorful costumes.
Where To Go: La Villa de Los Santos
Special Part: Devil dances, handmade costumes, processions
Good To Know: The costumes are often made months in advance
7. Festival Del Cristo Negro
Photo: Koffermejia / Wikimedia Commons
This festival happens every October in Portobello. People walk for hours or even days, to reach the statue of the Black Christ. Some walk barefoot, others crawl. It’s their way of saying thanks or asking for help. Once they arrive, they light candles and pray. The town becomes very quiet, filled with soft singing and devotion. Everyone wears purple, and there’s a peaceful mood. This isn’t a party. It’s a time to think, remember, and give thanks. Tourists are welcome, but they should be respectful.
Place: Portobelo, Colón
Best Time To Visit: October 21
8. Feria Internacional De Azuero
Photo: Carnaval.com Studios / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In April, La Villa de Los Santos holds a huge fair. It has animals, rides, music, food, and dances. You can see cows, try local dishes, and listen to folk songs all in one place. The fair is full of life. Kids love the games and rides, and adults enjoy the music and shopping. There’s also a rodeo, where locals show off their skills. It’s loud, fun, and very local. You’ll leave with full hands, a full belly, and a smile.
Where It Happens: La Villa de Los Santos
Fun Things: Rodeo, crafts, local snacks
Tip: It’s better to visit in the evening when it cools down
9. Independence Day In Bocas Del Toro
Photo: Daniel Ramirez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
On November 16, the islands of Bocas del Toro joined the national pride with their own twist. Schools and community groups march in the streets with drums and flags. The music echoes across the water. Boats are decorated with flags too. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy the energy. It’s a little less formal than in the cities, but just as proud. After the parades, people head to the beach or have small parties. It’s a mix of fun, pride, and sunshine.
Where: Bocas Town, Isla Colón
Vibe: Island style, very chill
Best Spot: Watch from the waterfront for great views
10. Congo Festival
Photo: Carnaval.com Studios / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Portobelo, this festival is loud, bold, and full of dance. The Congo Festival celebrates Afro-Panamanian roots with colorful clothes and drums. People dress in costumes and act out scenes from old stories. These stories talk about the fight for freedom and how people stayed strong. You’ll see masks, face paint, and big movements. Everyone joins in. Even kids dress up and dance. The sound of drums fills the air, and the rhythm keeps you moving. It’s fun, but also meaningful.
Location: Portobelo, Colón
What’s Cool: Story dances, music, traditional costumes
When To Go: Usually in February or March
11. Festival Del Mar
Photo: Monmar Comunicació / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This sea-themed festival happens in Bocas del Toro and celebrates the ocean. There are boat races, fish cook-offs, music, and beach games. Kids race in handmade boats, and families enjoy fresh seafood by the water. Local groups also teach people about protecting the sea. There’s music all day—reggae, calypso, and more. The vibe is happy and easy-going. People smile, share food, and play. It’s a perfect combo of fun and learning.
Place: Bocas del Toro
Things To Enjoy: Boat races, seafood, music
Great For: Families, beach lovers, and nature fans
12. Festival Nacional Del Manito
Photo: Ayaita / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ocú, a small town in Herrera, hosts this friendly festival in August. It’s all about old customs. People wear old-style clothes, ride ox-carts, and play traditional games. There’s even a pretend wedding where everyone plays along. The music is soft, the mood is warm, and everyone is kind. Locals cook food the old way and share stories from the past. It feels like visiting a big family reunion. If you want to see the real Panama, this is it.
Location: Ocú, Herrera
What to Expect: Ox-cart parades, folk dances, country games
Best For: A quiet and simple slice of local life
13. Festival Del Cristo De Esquipulas
Photo: Judgefloro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Held every January in the town of Antón, the Festival del Cristo de Esquipulas is a deeply spiritual event. Locals gather to honor a black wooden statue of Christ, believed to have healing powers. The celebration includes religious processions, prayers, and traditional dances. Many pilgrims travel from nearby towns to pay their respects and take part in the festivities. The streets fill with food stalls, music, and families dressed in traditional clothing. Though it’s a religious event, it’s also a time for community bonding.
Location: Antón, Coclé Province
Local Belief: The Cristo statue is said to bring blessings and healing
Festivals in Panama are full of life, color, and heart. Some are loud and fun. Others are quiet and full of meaning. But all of them bring people together. Be it a parade, a prayer walk, or a beach party, these events show how much locals love their culture. If you visit during one, you’ll feel the joy in the air. You might not understand every detail, but you’ll remember the smiles, the music, and the feeling of being part of something special. So, plan your trip to Panama with TripXL soon and explore these amazing festivals.
Cover Photo: Rodolfo Quirós / Pexels
