15 Oct Holiday Season in Panama
It’s that Season again…
After long 7 months of lockdown, Panama has opened up again and mobility restrictions have been lifted. Sadly the beaches are still closed at the moment and until further notice. But with the upcoming holiday season, it might just be a way to keep us all safe. We sure remember previous years and the beach parties that came with the holidays. There wasn’t much social distancing. However, those were the good ole days.
But even this year we can safely conclude, that the communities around Coronado will have many locals coming to spend the holidays in the area (even if the beaches are closed). And now that the airport has opened up again we are welcoming back international travelers. That’s awesome, we could not be happier to have everybody back in what we call “Almost Paradise”. It was too quiet for way too long!
The Following is a Guide
A guide on what the upcoming holidays are and how to prepare for them. As you know, we want you to have fun. In this case, it’s to keep you informed and to minimize possibilities of frustration.
Keep in mind on any of these holidays, banks, government offices, and some businesses may be closed or have reduced hours.
Upcoming Holidays Include:
November 2 – Dia de los Muertos Flags will fly at half-mast to honor the Day of the Dead. As a way of showing respect to departed souls, this is a dry day, meaning no alcohol is served in bars and restaurants or sold in stores. Celebratory parties and dancing are also restricted. Many people spend time at the cemeteries, bringing flowers and mementos for their deceased loved ones.
November 3 – Separation Day from Columbia (observed November 4, 2019). There may be daylong events in Panama City, but many people head to the beaches as this holiday is in succession with a few others. Declared a dry day, no alcohol is served or sold.
November 4 – Flag Day. The Panamanian Flag was designed in secret the day after the announcement of the separation from Columbia in 1903 by Maria de la Ossa de Amador. The flag became official in 1925. It’s a day of military and national pride for Panama.
November 5 – Colon Day. Orders from Columbia for troops to march toward Panama City even after Panama’s declaration of separation were averted by Panamanian defense forces in Colon without the use of gunfire. It is one of the independence holidays observed.
November 10 – The Uprising of Los Santos. This holiday commemorates one of the dates in 1821 when Panama struggled to gain independence from Spain. The day is celebrated with colorful parades, traditional folk music, and dancing.
November 28 – Independence Day from Spain. Officials in Panama City declared independence from Spain in 1821 but fearing retaliation, joined Gran Columbia (now recognized as Columbia, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador) which turned into years of neglect from the Columbian government. Hence, another separation holiday to celebrate.
December 8 – Mother’s Day (observed Monday 9th 2019). The holiday was introduced into Panama in 1924 by the Rotary Club and is a day to honor mother’s and women.
December 25 – Christmas Day. On the 24th, many family and friends gather to prepare traditional food of pavo (turkey), relleno (stuffing), arroz dulce and tamales (cornmeal based with meats, capers and prunes, wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled). They may eat around midnight and then celebrate out in public, dancing in the streets of the community. Christmas Day is usually spent in church and with family.
January 1 – New Year’s Day. There are some unique customs and traditions in Panama for New Year’s Eve. You might notice some odd sculptural effigies known as muñecos de ano viejo (old year dolls). They are made of old clothes, stuffed with dry twigs, leaves, and of course, firecrackers. Out with the old! Set fire to the past! They may be political figures, celebrities, or even innocuous cartoon characters; the intent is to release the negative energy of the past and bring in health, wealth, and happiness in the New Year.
Muñecos along the Interamercia (2017), after Panama qualified for the Worldcup for the first time and made history.
Make Your Reservations and Car Rentals In Advance
Although this year is different you will be surprised. Our local property managers have received many requests from potential visitors and bookings for long and short term stays. We certainly are happy to hear that and are looking forward to welcoming everybody to our amazing community. So make sure to make your reservations early!
It’s not uncommon for car rental companies, especially around Coronado, to be sold out in November and December. If you need help finding a vehicle or accommodations during your stay, please contact us for recommendations.
Get Your Shopping Done Ahead of Time
Those living at the beaches for a while are pros by now. But for those that have not been in the area for the holidays here is our advice. Stock up on your groceries and essentials you will need for the holidays. The added covid guidelines and rules for stores will make grocery shopping during those days not easier.
As always, we would like to remind everybody to support the local businesses, such as the fruit stands and fishermen. If you would like to have your fish delivered to your home, please contact our friend Bernado (Whatsapp +507 6658-6202). He has amazing offers on fresh fish and is happy to bring it to you. If you choose to venture out there is also the fish market at Gorgona, San Carlos, and Rio Hato.
Fruit truck with bananas and plantains
Prepare For Traffic
This year will not be different, traffic will heavily increase and roads will be packed with travelers. Keep that in mind when you plan on going out to eat, shop for groceries, or want to run some errands.
The traffic on the Interamerican highway will be guarded by the police and some turns will be blocked off to ensure the flow of the traffic. That usually means the turn into Coronado, coming from the city will be closed and the entrance to Punta Barco used to make a safe RETORNO.
Get ready for the music
One of the things you either love or hate, the Panamanians like their music loud. I have to admit I love the fiestas and don’t mind the music at all. Other than it goes past my bedtime, which is pretty late. But in general, the music and festivities are part of the culture here in Panama and I enjoy the happy sounds and laughter from our neighbors celebrating. If you can, join in and be part of the festivities or be prepared to close all windows and have earplugs, just in case.
The team of Coronado Concierge wants you to have a safe Holiday Season. Please remember the guidelines for safety and keep the social distancing in place. After all, we want you to have fun and have you all soon back on board. New events and day trips are in the works!
If you need any help with arranging for your trip to Panama, please let us know. From accommodations to car rental, airport pick up to special day trips, we are here for you and make your life easier!