29 Dec New Years in Panama
By Natalie Warner
New Years is upon us. Are you ready for 2019? It feels like yesterday when 2019 sounded so far into the future, and yet, here we are. Maybe that’s just me? This time of year is fun and unique in Panama. Here are a few things you should expect.
Fireworks
Panamanians like their fireworks. On New Years, they love them. Fireworks go off for a solid 45 minutes to an hour starting at the stroke of midnight. Getting a great view of all the festivities is easy. Sign up for our catamaran New Years Eve cruise, if you haven’t already (Hurry. Spots are filling up). If the cruise isn’t your thing, another option is to befriend somebody who lives in a condo and watch the fireworks from the top of the condo building.
People also light lanterns and send their wishes off with them in the new year. Looking to set off your own lanterns? These can be found by the cash registers by Riba Smith. Also, don’t forget to look down at the beach! We’ve been talking a lot about muñecos lately. You’ll see them being set on fire.
Don’t forget to keep your pets inside if possible. We might enjoy the fireworks; our pets don’t.
Grapes for good luck
Looking to have good luck for the new year? Eat 12 grapes. Spit out the seeds to reveal your lucky lottery numbers. It is believed that the grapes also reveal how your year will go. For example, June might be a bad month if your 6th grape is bitter. Don’t forget to make a wish while eating each grape. Versions of the exact tradition vary, but the key is to eat the 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
Eating grapes in Panama is a fun tradition (or a serious superstition) which originated in Spain and spread across Latin and South America. There are a few speculations on how this tradition started. One theory is that it started by grape farmers as a way to sell their surplus of grapes. Another theory is that it is a way of imitating the French tradition of drinking champagne and eating grapes.
Have a great time. Do not drink and drive
A party is only good if you make it home safely. Have a great time. Light off fireworks. Kiss your friends at the stroke of midnight (after eating your grapes, of course), and celebrate the new tradition of becoming accustomed to writing 2019 rather than 2018 on your documents.
If drinking is on your to do list, please contact us for people who can provide transportation for you after your festivities. Another option is to plan on staying at your friend’s condo after you watch the fireworks from their rooftop.
Expect a high police presence on the roads
Police are going to be out on full force on New Years. They’ll be looking for drunk drivers. This cannot be emphasized enough: Do not drink and drive.
New Years morning is profoundly quiet
Those who are morning people tend to find the mornings of the new year very quiet. Fireworks and loud music have temporarily stopped. Panama parties hard and it shows the following morning. Enjoy the quiet if you can. You’ll know when people start waking up when the music starts back up again.
Do you have any favorite aspects of New Years in Panama? If so, be sure to let us know on social media. We hope you have a safe and fun New Years celebration.
~Your Coronado Concierge Panama team