The Executive Branch has officially announced the new schedule of district holidays for 2026, published in the Official Gazette, clarifying when public offices—both national and municipal—will close for each community to pay homage to its own roots.
This is more than just a document; it's an emotional map of the country. It features over 70 dates, one for nearly every town with a memory, faith, or history to tell. A calendar with a soul, not just numbers.
The decree affirms what the people have always known: our saints, our foundations, and our fiestas are not forgotten. Holidays are not invented at a desk; they are felt in the mass, in the proclamation, in the marching band's procession, and in the booming fireworks that announce the town is celebrating.
Among the most notable dates for 2026 are:
- January 6 | Los Remedios in Chiriquí and Los Santos Reyes in Macaracas
- February 27 | Foundation of the district of Colón
- August 15 | Foundation of the city of Panama
- September 12 and 18 | La Chorrera, Arraiján, and Chame celebrate their origins
- July 30 | Foundation of the district of San Miguelito
- September 28 and 29 | San Miguel Arcángel in Balboa, Boquerón, and Atalaya
- November 9 | Grito de Independencia of Santiago
- December 27 | Foundation of Darién in La Palma
To these are added the classic religious feasts that move the entire country: San José, San Juan Bautista, Virgen del Carmen, Santa Librada, San Lorenzo, and Inmaculada Concepción, among others that fill the streets and hearts.
Not everything stops; some services continue the fight
Just as there is celebration, there are responsibilities that do not rest. The decree makes it clear that if a holiday falls on a weekend, it is not moved to Monday, and that certain institutions must remain active because life goes on.
Among them:
- Hospitals, Ministry of Health (Minsa), Social Security System (CSS), Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan), Firefighters, Sinaproc, Public Force
- Metro, MiBus, Civil Aviation, Tocumen
- Cleaning services, ETESA, Customs, and services in ports and airports
Banks will be governed by the Superintendent of Banks, each at its own pace.
2026 is shaping up to be a year where the country pauses to remember where it comes from, to celebrate those who watched over, blessed, or founded the land walked upon today.
It is not just a holiday; it is identity put on the calendar.
