Christmas in the capital is set to start off gently. On November 30th, Panama City will be lit up in every corner of its 26 districts. This is all part of the International Festival 'City of Stars,' which promises to be bigger, brighter, and more focused on the people. According to Carla Duque, the Director of Culture and Tourism, this year the event is taking things to the next level: when the main tree at the Fountain of Nayansi is lit at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, the 30th, 22 parks will illuminate simultaneously. Several of these parks will become permanent themed spaces, open year-round, giving people real recreational areas not just in December, but 24/7, 365 days a year. 'When we light the tree, the entire city will light up,' said Duque. The Coastal Belt, the 26 districts, the Casco Viejo, and even the humblest streets will shine. The event has been organized with the idea that 'Christmas is for families, so that citizens have spaces to breathe and enjoy without spending.' Activities from morning till night – The Casco Viejo pedestrian zone will open this Sunday at 8:00 a.m., featuring a stage, carols, cultural activities, and a festive atmosphere smelling of celebration, tradition, and tamales. From there, the idea is for people to walk along the Coastal Belt towards the main lighting at 5:00 p.m. There will be cultural shows, carols, the full Christmas magic, and several surprises that the City Hall is keeping up its sleeve. On December 6th, the Christmas bazaar of San Felipe Neri will take place, where the best tamale in Panama will be sought: North, East, and Central Panama will compete for that honor. And the Christmas parade… is back with a bang The Christmas Parade will be on December 14th, with 26 confirmed floats, national and international bands, and the return of the 'Streets that Shine' contest, where entire neighborhoods compete by decorating their streets. This year, bands from Costa Rica, El Salvador, and other countries that have already signed up to participate will come. There will also be drone shows, brand activations, surprises, and a joint effort between the City Hall and the private sector to make the festival an international tourist product, something that attracts visitors and boosts the local economy. An ending that says it all With this entire agenda, it's clear: December in Panama won't be just a month… it will be an experience. Lit-up parks, music, culture, tamales, sparkling streets, bazaars, a parade, art, and thousands of families occupying the spaces that belong to them. Christmas is starting now, and it's starting for everyone. And so it will be.
