(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Guest Contribution – Panama is famous for being sort of a bridge between continents and cultures, blending Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. You can easily tell that by seeing explosive carnivals or serene folkloric gatherings. The country's festivals showcase its diverse heritage, colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and communal spirit. There is a place for everything, from online gambling in Koko casino Netherlands to thunderous drums of Afro-Panamanian celebrations or the elegant swirl of traditional polleras. Panama's events are so immersive for all participants, and some must-see cultural festivals capture the soul of this nation.

Boquete Flowers and Coffee Festival – A Highland Bloom

It was the first major event in Panama that kicked off the year on January 8-19, 2025, with similar dates expected for 2026. This iconic fair transformed Boquete into a floral wonderland. Gardens blooming with orchids and exotic plants looked incredible, while coffee aficionados savor world-class brews from volcanic soils. Artisans displayed handicrafts, live music filled the air, and nighttime festivities turned lively with dancing under the stars. More than 180 thousand people have visited this place, because it is a celebration of Panama's agricultural bounty and cool mountain charm – perfect for nature lovers escaping the heat.

Panama Jazz Festival – Rhythms of Harmony

Another early event in Panama City took place from January 13 to January 18 at Ciudad del Saber – Panama Jazz Festival. It was a beautiful way to enjoy the music for all the fans of live performances. It has united international artists, students, and educators through concerts, workshops, and master classes. This event blended jazz with Panamanian folklore while promoting cultural exchange and social harmony. The festival is expected to return on January 15-17, 2026.

Carnival – Pre-Lent Extravaganza Nationwide

During the pre-Lent season, Carnival becomes the most attractive event for visitors of Panama during the four days before Ash Wednesday, from February 14 to 17 in 2026. The main arena of the celebration is the town of Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula. Here, two rival neighborhoods, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, stage grand processions with queens in glittering dresses and brightly colored floats. In the heat, everyone is refreshed by water carriers, the organizers of merry ((mojaderas)), when crowds splash with water to the music of brass bands. The nights are ablaze with fireworks, and the streets ring with laughter and the sounds of murgas, satirical songs about the past year.

And on Ash Wednesday, the festivities come to a halt: the symbolic ((burial of the sardine)) takes place as a humorous farewell to the festivities until next year. Among the top highlights of Carnival:

• Rival tunas parades en Las Tablas.
• Mojaderas (water celebrations).
• Fireworks and satirical murga music.
• Burial of the Sardine closing ritual.

The carnival is not limited to Las Tablas in Panama City, Chitré, and David; people also dance until dawn to the rhythms of cumbia.

Diablos y Congos Festival: Afro-Panamanian Resilience

When it is May 3rd, you can be sure – the quiet coastal town of Portobelo in the province of Colon comes alive with the Festival of Devils and Congos, one of the most vibrant expressions of Afro-Panamanian culture, recognized by UNESCO. The streets introduce visitors to the ancient story of the struggle between enslaved Africans and their masters: the ((devils)) symbolize the oppressors, and the ((congos)) symbolize freedom and resistance. The pounding of drums, masks, laughter, and mockery transform the town into a living performance, where past and present dance together. The smell of fried fish and sweet pastries permeates the air, and local artisans sell handmade jewelry and masks.

Festival Nacional de la Pollera: Elegance in Tradition

In July, Las Tablas hosted the National Polera Festival, one of Panama's most beautiful events. The celebration coincides with Saint Librada's Day, July 22, and brings together women from across the country in luxurious, hand-embroidered dresses. Each polera is a work of art: lace, gold embellishments, and delicate stitching. Accordions fill the streets, dances and parades take place, and the townspeople proudly display the crown jewel of their culture.

Festival Nacional de la Mejorana: Folklore's Heartbeat

Every September, Guarare becomes a center of Panamanian cultural representation. From September 20 to 29, 2025, it hosted the Festival of the Best Meyorana, the country's premier folk culture event. Guitars resound in the squares, salómas – ancient cries and songs, resound, and poets compete in decimas. Decorated oxcarts slowly move through the streets, girls dance in traditional costumes, and the rhythm of the tamborito inspires even passersby to dance. The festive atmosphere unites everyone.

Fiestas Patrias: November's Patriotic Pride

From November 3rd to 28th, the country celebrates a series of independence holidays: the 3rd marks separation from Colombia, the 4th marks Flag Day, the 5th marks Colon Day, the 10th marks the First Proclamation of Freedom in La Villa de los Santos, and finally, the 28th marks liberation from Spain.

During these days, cities fill with the sounds of school orchestras, vibrant parades, and fireworks displays, especially in Panama City and the province of Los Santos. The atmosphere is as if the entire country is celebrating one big birthday.

And if you visit in the spring, you should stop by the Azuero International Fair, where livestock, crafts, and traditional dishes are on display. In Guna Yala, indigenous festivals are held, where you can experience the famous moles and ancient rituals.

Panamanian festivals are more than just dates on the calendar. It is a way to experience the country as it is: with its music, its colours, and its people, for whom celebration is part of their character.

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