Panama is famous for being a bridge between continents and cultures, blending Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The country's festivals showcase its diverse heritage, colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and communal spirit. It is a way to experience the country as it is: with its music, its colours, and its people, for whom celebration is part of their character.
Carnival – Pre-Lent Extravaganza Nationwide During the pre-Lent season, Carnival becomes the most attractive event for visitors to Panama during the four days before Ash Wednesday, from February 14 to 17 in 2026. The main arena of the celebration is the town of Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula. Here, two rival neighborhoods, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, stage grand processions with queens in glittering dresses and brightly colored floats. Among the top highlights of Carnival: rival tunas parades in Las Tablas, Mojaderas (water celebrations), fireworks and satirical murga music, and the Burial of the Sardine closing ritual. The carnival is not limited to Las Tablas; in Panama City, Chitré, and David, people also dance until dawn to the rhythms of cumbia.
Diablos y Congos Festival: Afro-Panamanian Resilience When May 3rd arrives, the quiet coastal town of Portobelo in the province of Colon comes alive with the Festival of Devils and Congos, one of the most vibrant expressions of Afro-Panamanian culture, recognized by UNESCO. The pounding of drums, masks, laughter, and mockery transform the town into a living performance, where past and present dance together. The streets introduce visitors to the ancient story of the struggle between enslaved Africans and their masters: the «devils» symbolize the oppressors, and the «congos» symbolize freedom and resistance.
Festival Nacional de la Pollera: Elegance in Tradition In July, Las Tablas hosts the National Pollera Festival, one of Panama’s most beautiful events. The festival coincides with Saint Librada’s Day, July 22, and brings together women from across the country in luxurious, hand-embroidered dresses. Each pollera is a work of art: lace, gold embellishments, and delicate stitching.
Festival Nacional de la Mejorana: Folklore’s Heartbeat Every September, Guararé becomes a center of Panamanian cultural representation. From September 20 to 29, 2025, it hosted the Festival of the Mejorana, the country’s premier folk culture event. Guitars resound in the squares, salomas – ancient cries and songs, resound, and poets compete in décimas. This event blended jazz with Panamanian folklore while promoting cultural exchange and social harmony.
Fiestas Patrias: November’s Patriotic Pride From November 3rd to 28th, the country celebrates a series of independence holidays: the 3rd marks separation from Colombia, the 4th marks Flag Day, the 5th marks Colon Day, the 10th marks the First Proclamation of Freedom in La Villa de los Santos, and finally, the 28th marks liberation from Spain. During these days, cities fill with the sounds of school orchestras, vibrant parades, and fireworks displays, especially in Panama City and the province of Los Santos.
Boquete Flowers and Coffee Festival – A Highland Bloom It was the first major event in Panama that kicked off the year on January 8-19, 2025, with similar dates expected for 2026. This iconic fair transformed Boquete into a floral wonderland. Gardens blooming with orchids and exotic plants looked incredible, while coffee aficionados savor world-class brews from volcanic soils. Over 180 thousand people have visited this place, as it is a celebration of Panama’s agricultural bounty and cool mountain charm – perfect for nature lovers escaping the heat.
Panama Jazz Festival – Rhythms of Harmony Another early event in Panama City took place from January 13 to January 18 at Ciudad del Saber – Panama Jazz Festival. It has united international artists, students, and educators through concerts, workshops, and master classes. It was a beautiful way to enjoy the music for all the fans of live performances.
