If you鈥檝e ever experienced the month of November in Panama, you know that it is unlike any other month of the year when it comes to experience. November is the 鈥渕es de la patria鈥, or 鈥減atriotic month鈥 in English, where most of the country鈥檚 non-religious national holidays are held. This means that it鈥檚 an incredibly important month to both the people and businesses of Panama, as well as the government and the entire country鈥檚 infrastructure. Panama celebrates 5 official holidays during November, with many of the days in between taken as de-facto, or 鈥渂ridge鈥 holidays to make them longer. There are two official Independence Days (one from Colombia, and one from Spain), a flag day, and a number of days that commemorate battles that all lead to the country鈥檚 independence. Here are some things that will help you navigate and better understand Panama鈥檚 patriotic holiday season.
听
Everything (almost) is closed, and that鈥檚 a very important aspect to Panama鈥檚 working class
Part of the nature of the Fiestas Patrias is to give the entire nation of Panama the chance to take some time off work and celebrate. Now, obviously, this isn鈥檛 entirely possible, as certain businesses and services simply can鈥檛 close due to demand. That being said, however, you鈥檒l find that almost all non-tourist-related businesses or essential services will be closed for each of the holidays throughout the month. This may seem like an inconvenience to you, but it鈥檚 a very well-earned break for the country鈥檚 millions of hard workers. Having time off work allows these Panamanians to travel to visit family, participate in the country鈥檚 parades, and take time off to rest and reflect on their rights and pride as citizens.
People love to party during these holidays, so be patient with noise and crowds
Panamanians (in general) love to celebrate, and the November holidays are a perfect example of that. You will find large, family-style parties in pretty much every neighborhood, town, and city in the country. They are loud, boisterous, and full of cheer, and are part of what makes Panama fun and culturally interesting. If you go with the flow, you鈥檒l find you鈥檒l have a much easier time during this period. Enjoy the dancing and salsa music, the BBQs, and the family fun in parks, beaches, and neighborhood squares. It鈥檚 all part of the charm, and a great source of pride for Panama鈥檚 people and infrastructure in general.
If you plan on traveling, plan ahead, and be ready for long lines and traffic
Panama鈥檚 population is largely, and disproportionally centered in Panama City, yet most of the city鈥檚 residents have family and roots in the interior of the country. Well, when you have a month full of holidays where everyone鈥檚 off work, that means a huge rush into the country鈥檚 outer provinces and the city鈥檚 outer suburbs is inevitable. This means that traffic is typically at its worst, and public transportation, car rentals, flights, and buses are either full or unavailable due to lack of space. If you haven鈥檛 already planned a holiday escape, we recommend staying right where you are. The chance of finding a last-minute seat on a plane/bus or a hotel without prior reservation is practically 0. But don鈥檛 worry, there鈥檚 probably lots of celebrations going on right where you are!
Go check out the patriotic parades
Lastly, if you鈥檙e going to fully enjoy Panama鈥檚 Fiestas Patrias, it鈥檚 well worth it to go to one of the hundreds of parades throughout the country. Young Panamanian marching bands practice all year for November, and take their music, marches, and costumes with great pride throughout the month. You will be swept away by both traditional and modern music, get to see the youth at their best, and share in the patriotic pride alongside Panamanians, all month long. Parades typically start in the morning, and go until early afternoon. We recommend going to a few different neighborhoods or local areas to see a variety of them, and make sure to get their early!
