National Holidays and Fiestas

By Administrator, on Tuesday, 03 February 2009

Panama National Holidays 2009

Panama's National Holidays are days when the whole country closes down and businesses and banks are closed. Carnaval varies each year since it is calculated from the date of Easter. Carnaval being the celebration before the start of the Lenten Fast.

Jan 1 - New Year's Day
Jan 9 - Martyr's Day
Feb 21 - 24 - Carnaval
April 10 - 12 Easter
May 1 - Labor Day
Nov 3 - Independence from Colombia
Nov 4 - Flag Day
Nov 5 - First Cry of Independence from Colombia
Nov 10 - First Cry of Independence from Spain
Nov 28 - Independence from Spain
Dec 8 - Mothers´ Day
Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Panama Provincial Fairs and Festivals 2009

The fairs and festivals in the interior are colorful and lively events. Panamanians in the interior are friendly and welcoming and these are great events for visitors to get involved in the real Panama at a local level. Many of them take place in the dry season (December through March) when the weather is fine and the schools are on holiday but there are also a number of events throughout the year.

Panama (prov)
Jan 15-18 Tanara Agricultural Fair
Jan 21- Feb 1 Chorrera International Fair

Cocle
Jan 15 Christo Esquipula, Anton
Jan 29- Feb 1 Orange Fair, Churuquita Grande
Feb 21 Aquatic Carnaval, Rio Zarati, Penonome
Feb 28- Mar 1 Carnavalito, La Pintada
Oct 14-18 Toro Guapo Festival, Antón
Nov 6 Founding Day Parade, Penonome

Veraguas
Jan 29- Feb 1 Santa Fé Fair
Feb 11-16 Veraguas Fair, Sona
March 13-15 La Chitra Fair, Calobre

Herrera
Jan 15-19 San Sebastian Fair, Ocú
Aug 13-16 Festival del Manito, Ocú
Aug 28-30 Flower of the Holy Spirit Fair, Las Minas

Los Santos
June 12-16 Corpus Cristi Festival, La Villa de Los Santos
July 16-21 Festival de la Pollera, Las Tablas
Sept 24-27 National Mejorana Festival, Guararé
Nov 10 First Cry of Independence from Spain, La Villa de Los Santos

Azuero
April 16-26 Azuero International Fair

Chiriqui
Jan 8-18 Flower & Coffee Fair, Boquete
Jan 30- Feb 8 La Candelaria, Bugaba
March 12-22 David International Fair
March 18-22 San José de Tolé Fair
April 8-12 Orchid Fair, Boquete
Oct 22 Coffee Festival, Río Sereno
Dec. 10-13 Highland Fair, Volcan

This list is far from complete, There are many small local events taking place in the various towns throughout the year. Please help our readers and promote your event by sending us information for inclusion in this calender.