Music and Festivals - Música y Festivales

Folklore, music and festivals

Desfiles, festivals and fiestas are spread throughout the year in Panama. The biggest festival, however, is the typical Latin American carnival. The national women's costume at many festivals is the pollera and the men wear a sombrero hat.

Desfiles, festivals and holidays 2023

  • 2023-01-01 Año nuevo - New Year's Day
  • 2023-01-09 Día de los Mártires - Martyrs' Day (commemoration of the 1964 riots)
  • 2023-01-12 till 22. "Feria de las flores y el café", Boquete
  • 2023-01-14 "Desfile de las Mil Polleras", Las Tablas
  • 2023-02-14 "Día de la pollera" en la ciudad de Panamá
  • 2023-02-18 Sábado de Carnaval - Carnival Saturday
  • 2023-02-19 Domingo de Carnaval - Carnival Sunday
  • 2023-02-20 Lunes de Carnaval - Carnival/Rose Monday
  • 2023-02-21 Martes de Carnaval - Carnival Tuesday
  • 2023-02-22 Miércoles de Ceniza - Ash Wednesday
  • 2023-04-06 Jueves Santo - Maundy Thursday
  • 2023-04-07 Viernes Santo - Maundy Thursday
  • 2023-04-08 Sábado Santo - Holy Saturday
  • 2023-04-09 Domingo de Pascua - Easter Day
  • 2023-04-10 Lunes - Libre - Easter Monday
  • 2023-05-01 Día del Trabajo - Labour Day
  • 2023-07-?? Festival Nacional de la Pollera
  • 2023-08-15 Aniversario de Panamá La Vieja - Foundation of Old Panama City in Panama
  • 2023-11-02 Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead
  • 2023-11-03 Día de la Independencia, Separación de Panamá de Colombia - Independence from Colombia
  • 2023-11-04 Día de la Bandera - Flag Day
  • 2023-11-05 Conmemoración Patriótica en la ciudad de Colón - Colon Day
  • 2023-11-10 Grito en la Villa de los Santos
    Day of the first proclamation of independence from Spain (Proclamation)
  • 2023-11-28 Día Histórico - Independencia de España - Independence of Spain
  • 2023-12-08 Día de la Madre - Mother's Day
  • 2023-12-24 Noche buena - Christmas Eve
  • 2023-12-25 Navidad - Christmas
  • 2023-12-31 Noche Vieja - New Year's Eve

Review 2019

  • 2019-01-23 to 27 Pope Francis visits Panama on the occasion of World Youth Day (WYD)
  • 2019-08-15 500 Años Fundación de Panamá la Vieja - 500 Years of the Establishment of Panamá la Vieja

In Panama, when a public holiday falls on the weekend, very often a non-working day is set before and after it. All data without guarantee.

Desfile de las Mil Polleras 2019 en Las Tablas

The festival of the "1000 skirts" 2019 in Las Tablas.

The name "Pollera" is known in Latin America, Spain and Panama, for a variety of skirts and dresses characterized by their elaborate ornaments.



Carnival in Panamá

The carnival of Latin America is known worldwide, so in Panama the carnival is also intensely celebrated.
During this period, the country is in a state of emergency. A mass movement then takes place the day before and the first day towards Chitré and Las Tablas. But also in other cities such as Penonomé, Aguadulce and in the capital is then celebrated extensively for four days and four nights.

Cumbia Viva Panamá - Panamanian Rhythms, Folklore and Traditions

Cumbia Viva Panamá - Ballet Folklórico Ritmos y Raíces Panameñas

Folklore in Panamá

Folklore is an essential part of Panama's culture. It is an ancient tradition that has endured for centuries and still connects the people of Panama.

Folklore in Panama is a mixture of African, Native American, Spanish and other cultures. It can be seen in the music styles, dance art, language form and clothing. The different traditions of Panama influence each other and complement each other.

Most of Panama's musical styles were influenced by African slaves and indigenous people and are very rhythmic. They include traditional instruments such as marimbas, güiro, tambourines and guitars. There is also a wide variety of dances present in Panamanian folklore, such as chirimía, a traditional dance played on a marimba.

The folklore in Panama can also be seen in the clothing. Men wear traditional white shirts and pants with a bandana, while women wear traditional dresses and blouses decorated with colorful patterns and designs. These traditional dresses are often combined with traditional jewelry such as necklaces, bangles, and earrings.

Folklore in Panama is an essential part of the culture and a sign of the diversity of cultures in Panama. It is a source of pride and a way to connect with other cultures and traditions.