Public Holidays in Panama in 2025 offer a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebration, historical remembrance, and national pride. These special days provide Panamanians with opportunities to honor their heritage, reflect on their nation’s journey, and strengthen community bonds.
In 2025, Panama’s public holidays will still be an important part of the country’s social life. From the joyous festivities of Carnival to the solemn observances of Martyrs’ Day, each holiday tells a unique story of Panama’s rich history and diverse traditions. These celebrations not only offer welcome breaks from routine but also serve as powerful reminders of the values, struggles, and achievements that have shaped the Panamanian identity. Understanding these holidays provides valuable insight into Panama’s culture and national character.
Public Holidays in Panama In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in Panama in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Martyrs’ Day | Jan 09, 2025 | Thursday |
| Carnival | Mar 04, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Independence Day from Colombia | Nov 03, 2025 | Monday |
| Flag Day | Nov 04, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Colon Day | Nov 05, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Los Santos Uprising Day | Nov 10, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day from Spain | Nov 28, 2025 | Friday |
| Mother’s Day | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Day of Mourning | Dec 20, 2025 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Palau In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year in Panama. It’s a time for fresh beginnings and setting new goals. Panamanians typically celebrate with family gatherings, festive meals, and fireworks displays. A lot of people stay up late on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year.
Traditional customs include:
- Eating twelve grapes at midnight is a tradition for good luck.
- Wearing yellow underwear for prosperity.
- Carrying a suitcase around the block to encourage travel in the coming year.
Some families attend special church services to pray for blessings in the new year.
Martyrs’ Day
Martyrs’ Day commemorates the 1964 riots over the sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. During these protests, several Panamanian students were killed while attempting to raise the Panamanian flag in the Canal Zone, which was then under U.S. control. This Day honors those who lost their lives and is considered a pivotal moment in Panama’s struggle for complete control of the Canal.
The event led to negotiations between Panama and the United States, eventually resulting in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, which returned the Canal to Panamanian control. Solemn ceremonies and reflections on national sovereignty mark the Day.
Carnival
Carnival is a vibrant four-day celebration preceding Lent. It’s one of Panama’s most anticipated festivals, filled with music, dance, and colorful parades. Each Day has a theme:
- Friday is the crowning of the Carnival Queen.
- Saturday is the pollera day (celebrating traditional dress).
- Sunday features vibrant float parades.
- Monday is known for water fights.
The celebration reaches its peak on Shrove Tuesday.
Major carnival destinations include Panama City, Las Tablas, and Penonomé. The festival blends indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions, reflecting Panama’s diverse cultural heritage. It’s a time of national pride and joyous celebration before the more somber Lenten season.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a significant Christian observance in Panama, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As part of Holy Week (Semana Santa), it’s a time of solemn reflection and religious devotion. Many Panamanians attend church services, participate in processions reenacting the Stations of the Cross, or watch passion plays. Some communities hold elaborate processions with participants dressed as biblical figures.
It’s common for families to gather and eat traditional meat-free meals, often featuring fish. Many businesses close, and a general atmosphere of quietness prevails as people focus on spiritual matters and family time.
Labour Day
Labour Day, or Día del Trabajo, honors the contributions and achievements of Panamanian workers. It’s a day to recognize workers’ rights and the labor movement’s historical struggle for fair working conditions. Many businesses and government offices close, allowing workers a day of rest. Labor unions often organize parades or demonstrations to advocate for workers’ rights.
Some people use this Day for relaxation with family and friends, while others participate in community events or volunteer activities. It’s also an occasion for political speeches addressing labor issues and economic policies affecting workers.
Independence Day from Colombia
This holiday commemorates Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. The event marked the birth of Panama as an independent nation, facilitated by U.S. support due to interest in building the Panama Canal. Celebrations include parades, fireworks, and cultural events showcasing national pride. Schools often hold special programs teaching students about the country’s history.
Many Panamanians wear traditional dress or display the national flag. Government officials typically give speeches reflecting on the nation’s progress since independence. It’s a day of patriotic fervor, reminding citizens of their national identity and the historical struggle for sovereignty.
Flag Day
Flag Day in Panama celebrates the national flag’s adoption in 1925. The flag’s design represents the country’s political situation at its creation: white stands for peace, blue represents the Conservative party, and red the Liberal party. The stars symbolize the country’s purity and strength. On this Day, Panamanians proudly display the flag at homes and businesses.
Schools often hold flag-raising ceremonies and teach students about the flag’s history and symbolism. Parades and cultural events featuring traditional music and dance are common. It’s a day of national pride and reflection on Panamanian identity.
Colon Day
Colon Day honors the founding of Colon, Panama’s second-largest city, in 1852. The town, named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish), played a crucial role in Panama’s history, particularly during the construction of the Panama Railroad and later the Panama Canal.
Celebrations are especially prominent in Colon itself, with parades, cultural performances, and historical reenactments. The Day also recognizes the contributions of Afro-Antillean immigrants who were instrumental in building the Canal and shaping Colon’s unique culture. It’s an opportunity to highlight Colon’s importance to Panama’s economy and cultural diversity.
Los Santos Uprising Day
This holiday commemorates the 1821 uprising in the Villa de Los Santos against Spanish rule, which sparked Panama’s independence movement. The rebellion in this small town is considered the first cry for independence in Panama. Celebrations are particularly significant in the Los Santos province, with parades, folkloric presentations, and historical reenactments.
Schools often use this Day to teach students about the country’s struggle for independence. It’s a time to honor the bravery of early independence leaders and reflect on the nation’s journey to self-governance. The Day reinforces Panamanian pride in their history of resistance against colonial rule.
Independence Day from Spain
This holiday marked Panama’s independence from Spain in 1821 when it joined Gran Colombia. Although Panama later separated from Colombia, this date is still celebrated as the initial break from Spanish colonial rule. It’s celebrated all over the country with parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
Many people wear traditional Panamanian dress, and the national anthem is sung at various gatherings. Schools and community groups often perform folk dances and music. Today, Panama can be proud of its long history of freedom and its rich cultural heritage, which includes influences from the native people, Spain, and Africa.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day in Panama coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting the country’s Catholic heritage. It’s a significant holiday where families come together to honor mothers and mother figures. Typical celebrations include family gatherings, special meals, and gift-giving. Many businesses close, and schools often hold events where children perform for their mothers.
It’s common to see restaurants and public spaces decorated for the occasion. The Day also usually features cultural events and concerts dedicated to mothers. This holiday underscores the important role of mothers in Panamanian society and family life.
Day of Mourning
The Day of Mourning, also known as the Day of National Reflection, commemorates the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, Operation Cause. This military action resulted in the ousting of General Manuel Noriega but also led to significant civilian casualties and destruction. The Day is marked by solemn ceremonies, including laying wreaths at memorials.
Some Panamanians use this time for reflection on the country’s recent history and its relationship with the United States. While not a festive occasion, it’s an important day for national memory and honoring those who lost their lives. It also serves as a reminder of Panama’s journey towards democracy.
Christmas Day
Christmas in Panama is a joyous blend of religious observance and family celebration. Many Panamanians attend Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) on Christmas Eve, followed by a family dinner featuring traditional foods like tamales, arroz con pollo, and rum cake. Christmas Day itself is often more relaxed, with families gathering to exchange gifts and enjoy leftovers.
Homes and public spaces are decorated with nativity scenes (nacimientos) and Christmas trees. Some communities organize parades or live nativity scenes. While influenced by U.S. traditions, Panamanian Christmas maintains distinct local customs, reflecting the country’s Catholic heritage and family-oriented culture.