We love nothing more than a good celebration. And there is almost always a reason for adding one more onto our list. Official celebrations in Panama start in November, and last until the New Year, so yes – if you are planning a long vacation, and like to party at the same time – Panama would be the right choice of destination for you. Let’s explore how to enjoy your journey and what you need to prepare yourself for.
Fiestas Patrias – November
November is a patriotic month in Panama, and during this month, you’ll stumble upon many different (also non-religious) national holidays and festivals if you visit this country. However, navigating through these holidays might be a challenge since people of Panama take them seriously. What does that mean for you? Well, people, businesses, as well as government institutions, usually bridge the holidays in order to make them longer. And there are lot of them:
2 official Independence days (one from Spain, one from Colombia)
Commemorate battle days
Official flag day,
And the list goes on.
Once you think about it, it is something like the 4th of July, but it lasts way longer. People from Panama love their country and really do enjoy these festivities, so if you are planning to visit Panama during the month of November the chances are – you will have the time of your life.
Here’s all you need to know about Patriotic Month
Handling celebrations in Panama might seem like fun; however there are still some things you’ll have to prepare for. Here are some of them:
Most businesses will be closed
Except for the ones that need to stay open due to the high demand (tourist shops, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and so on), most of the businesses will be closed during November’s holidays. Panamanians take this month very seriously, as they should. Most of the hard-workers take vacations or are provided with one from their employers in order to have some time to join the parades, to visit and spend time with their family and reflect on their pride as citizens of Panama.
Panama during November won’t be the right choice for people traveling with young kids or for those looking for some peace and quiet
As you might already know, patriotic month in Panama calls for celebrations. Parades. People on the streets celebrating their country. All that means only one thing – you won’t find your peace and quiet here. On the other hand, Panamanians are great hosts and will do everything that is in their power to include you into their annual celebration and to show you how proud they are of their country. If you are looking for a place with millions of happy faces, you will definitely enjoy Panama’s vibe.
Long lines may or may not occur
It will be crowded. That’s for sure. Most of Panama’s citizens live in Panama City, and yes – it can get crowded during the festivities. But, if you think about it, visiting Panama during this period is the best possible way to explore its culture, meet new people and really get to know more about this country. And even though the chances are you’ll get stuck in traffic at one point or another, this will be a friendly crowd – one that most people visiting Panama enjoy.
Join the parades
Once you get a grip on it, you will love your time in Panama. From friendly people that are always looking for new ways to make you feel like at home, affordable prices of almost everything, great tourist attractions, vibrant culture and many different things to do and see – there is almost nothing you won’t enjoy if you visit Panama. And visiting Panama during its patriotic month takes things to a whole new level. Parades, people celebrating their country, and enjoying their time off from work – everything just goes one step higher towards having the time of your life. So, yes. You should definitely join the celebrations and check out the patriotic parades even if you are not a Panamanian.
Important dates
November is one of the most important months in Panama. Because of its patriotic nature and historical significance, each date has its special meaning and is celebrated differently. During the month of November you will be able to choose between many different and very unique cultural events, parades, celebrations and other festivities that show all the aspects of this country’s patriotism.
November 3th
This date is one of two official independence days in Panama. Many don’t know this, but Panama was once a part of Columbia, and this date celebrates the day it got its independence.
November 4th
November 4th is the official Flag Day.
November 5th
This day celebrates the final battle and the official end of the Colombian era.
November 10th
This date comes with a name – The First Cry For Independence, and it commemorates the start of the battle with Spain.
November 28th
Independence from Spain – This date marks Panama’s period of post-colonialism and independence.
You might even decide to make your vacation longer than you planned
Christmas – December
Just after the patriotic month, there comes Christmas. And well, even though it actually lasts only a day, preparations for this holiday take as much time as in any other country. Christmas spirit takes over, everybody is included and the whole country lights up. People in Panama are very warm and friendly, so even if you decide to spend this holiday away from your family, you will enjoy it since your hosts will make you feel at home. You will be surprised by how nice and warm these people are, and you might even decide to move to Panama for retirement one day. Whatever you choose to do, visiting and exploring Panama during its celebrations is a great idea before you decide to relocate your household goods internationally.
New Year’s Eve – December
And if you decide to take a long vacation, you might even cover New Year ’s Eve. And spending it in Panama isn’t a bad idea. Especially if you come from a colder climate and don’t really like it.