Major Events & Festivals in Panama City, Panama

1. Carnaval de Panamá

A vibrant, city-wide celebration with parades, music, and dance that takes place in February, showcasing Panama's rich cultural heritage.

Authentic Culture: Provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Panamanian culture.
Participation: Allows visitors to join in the parades and celebrations if they choose.
Timing: Held during a typically quiet period, making it an exciting highlight for travellers.

A unique festival in March that commemorates the legendary black queen, Queen Anita, and her role in Panamanian history.

Historical Significance: Offers insight into a significant event in Panama's colonial past.
Cultural Performances: Includes traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
Community Involvement: Encourages collaboration between local artists and communities.

A free music festival in April showcasing various genres from around the world.

Music Variety: Provides exposure to a wide range of musical styles and artists.
Accessibility: Offers free admission for all visitors.
Local Atmosphere: Held in Cinta Costera, a lively urban park in Panama City.

A flower festival held in Boquete during the first two weeks of May, featuring flower exhibitions and parades.

Natural Beauty: Showcases the stunning flora of the Boquete region.
Cultural Activities: Includes traditional music, dance, and crafts from the local indigenous communities.
Sustainability: Promotes eco-tourism and responsible travel practices.

A marine conservation festival held in Chiriqui in May, featuring activities like beach cleanups and educational workshops.

Environmental Education: Raises awareness about ocean conservation and marine life.
Community Involvement: Encourages local participation in conservation efforts.
Family-Friendly Activities: Offers fun and educational activities for families to enjoy together.

A traditional celebration by the indigenous Guna people in early January, featuring music, dance, and colorful costumes.

Cultural Preservation: Highlights the unique customs and traditions of the Guna Yala community.
Accessibility: Located on the beautiful San Blas Islands, accessible by boat or small plane.
Community Support: Proceeds from the festival support local schools and infrastructure.

A seafood festival held in September in Pedregal, showcasing the diverse marine life and traditional cooking techniques.

Culinary Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to sample local seafood dishes.
Community Engagement: Supports the local fishing industry and promotes sustainable practices.
Beach Activities: Offers fun activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, and snorkeling.

A cultural festival in November celebrating the African influence on Panamanian culture.

Historical Awareness: Educates visitors about the role of Africans in shaping modern-day Panama.
Performances: Features music, dance, and traditional storytelling.
Community Participation: Encourages collaboration between artists, performers, and the local community.

A magic festival held in March showcasing international magicians, illusionists, and mentalists.

Entertainment Value: Offers a unique and captivating experience for audiences.
Skill Demonstration: Provides insights into the art of magic and mentalism.
Interactive Workshops: Allows visitors to learn basic magical tricks from professionals.

A poetry festival held in October featuring international poets and readings.

Literary Exposure: Offers an opportunity to discover new and established poets.
Cultural Exchange: Fosters cross-cultural understanding through shared literary experiences.
Interactive Workshops: Provides workshops for visitors to hone their own poetic skills.

A honey and capuchin monkey festival held in January in Gamboa, featuring workshops, tastings, and educational activities.

Natural Product Education: Promotes sustainable beekeeping practices and the importance of honey.
Wildlife Viewing: Allows visitors to observe wild capuchin monkeys in their natural habitat.
Community Engagement: Supports local beekeepers and eco-tourism initiatives.

An international song festival held in December featuring performances by various artists.

Musical Variety: Showcases a diverse range of music styles from around the world.
Talent Discovery: Provides an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent.
Cultural Exchange: Fosters cross-cultural understanding through shared musical experiences.

A contemporary art festival held in February showcasing local and international artists.

Artistic Diversity: Offers a unique perspective on contemporary art trends.
Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for artists to connect with peers and industry professionals.
Educational Workshops: Offers workshops and lectures on various art-related topics.

A marimba music festival held in July showcasing local and international artists.

Cultural Preservation: Highlights the rich Panamanian tradition of marimba music.
Musical Education: Provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the history and techniques of playing the marimba.
Community Involvement: Encourages local participation in the preservation of this cultural art form.

An international circus festival held in August featuring acrobatics, juggling, and clowning performances.

Entertainment Value: Offers a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
Skill Demonstration: Provides insights into the various circus arts and techniques.
Interactive Workshops: Allows visitors to participate in workshops led by professional circus artists.