22 Oct Upcoming Holidays in Panama
By Patty Blue Hayes
Can you feel it in the air? The low-key vibe during the past few months is shifting toward the upbeat energy of high season when locals and international travelers come to our beautiful Panama Oeste Province for relaxation, ocean sports, waterfall hikes, local flavor, music, parties and to celebrate the upcoming string of holidays.
The following is a guide on what the upcoming holidays are and how to prepare for them so you maximize your fun and minimize 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 MuertosFlags 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 is also restricted. Many people spend time at the cemeteries, bringing flowers and mementos for their deceased loved ones.
November 3– Separation Dayfrom 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.
Panama City, Panama – Ron Reiring – Flickr
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 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 9th2019. 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 munecos 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.
Book Home and Car Rentals In Advance
Houses, villas and condos in the area tend to become sparse toward the end of November. Now is the time to book your desired accommodations. Looking for available places? Airbnb,Booking and Encuentra24are popular sites to look for rentals, in addition to local rentalcompanies.
It’s not uncommon for car rental companies, especially around Coronado, to be sold out in November and December. Make your reservations as soon as you know your travel plans.
Get Your Shopping Done Ahead of Time
Stock up on pantry staples and dry provisions at the end of October. That way you’ll only have to get your fresh ingredients day-to-day. Grocery store lines can get long as weekends and holidays approach. Most locals try to get their shopping done at least a day or two before the holidays or before the city dwellers make their way to the area.
If you do have to go to the store during the rushes, going first thing in the morning may mean fewer people and quicker lines. El Rey in Coronado is open 24 hours, making it a convenient option to shop at any time of day.
Support local farmers by purchasing produce at any number of the roadside stands and remember fresh seafood is available at the market on Gorgona Beach.
Prepare For Traffic
Everywhere. On the normally quiet and empty stretch of beach, in your favorite restaurant, even that hillside trail; expect to see more people and cars. Coronado and the beaches area is a frequent weekend spot for those who live in Panama City; the holidays are no exception. Add in snowbirds and tourists, and you have a lot more people in the area.
GPS apps like Waze or Google Maps can help you plan out your trip if you need to travel. Check them for current traffic conditions and remember some turns from the Inter Americana will be coned off, adding a bit more drive time.
Gas up the car every opportunity you have. No line at the gas station? Fill up.
The Music Will Move You
I’ll admit I was a grumpy gringa on occasions when unnecessarily loud music disturbed my peace, whether it was at the beach, from a car or a house party at 3 am.
But I’ve softened in my third month of being here, realizing that this is a cultural norm and I’m a guest in Panama. Thankfully I love the rhythm and beat of the music. And I’d much rather hear sounds of celebration than fighting or whining.
Absolutely can’t take the noise? Calling the police is usually not very effective. Noise laws that exist are rarely enforced. Thankfully, many of the concrete buildings sufficiently minimize noise but you may need to run fans, white noise, use earplugs or headphones. Make sure your pets have a place where they feel safe and can hide from the noise.
You may as well jump into the celebration! Embrace the culture, attend parades and festivals. Learn about the various holidays in November including Día de los Muertos or Panama’s separation from Colombia. Get up and dance – it’s okay if you’re up past your normal bedtime, you can nap tomorrow. You’ll hear live bands, karaoke (it really gets interesting as the day goes on and people have had more to drink) and laughter.
Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones is exciting. It is also provides an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Panama. This time of year is vibrant and celebratory.
Coronado Concierge is preparing for high season. Check out the event calendar for upcoming trips and events. And don’t hesitate to contact us for any special trips or destinations you might like to visit. We just want you to have fun!