Updated September 2022
Fiestas Patrias: November in Panama is Packed With Holidays!
There is a saying in Panama that the only thing Panamanians take seriously is their holidays… and that sentiment is spot on! With 6 major holidays, November in Panama is certainly a time for celebration. If you are looking for cultural immersion and to become familiar with this historically rich country on a deeper level, it is a great time to visit Panama. Stay for the whole month, if possible! All month long there is something new to discover, enjoy and celebrate. Just make sure to have your banking handled! And any other tasks that might be affected by holiday closures.
November 2: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
November’s festivities are kicked off each year on November 2nd with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, a time to honor the souls of lost loved ones and to reminisce on the special times had with them. It is based on Catholic All Saints Day, and though it is celebrated with much more vigor in other Latin countries (we’re looking at you, Mexico), it is still a recognized holiday and a sacred time to many people including Panamanians.
Dia de los Muertos is a day to pay tribute to those who have gone before us, when family members visit the graves of loved ones, clean them, and bring adornments like flowers and candles to decorate the space. In other places like Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a 3-day celebration. But here in Panama, November 2nd is it because there’s more celebrating to do!
November 3: Separation Day (Día de la Independencia de Colombia)
With a wrap on the annual celebration of lost loved ones, November 3rd brings us back to the land of the living with Separation Day, a very important holiday to the Panamanian people. Separation Day marks Panama’s independence from Columbia in 1903, ending an 82-year association in which Panama saw mistreatment and isolation at the hands of the Columbian government. Needless to say, they celebrate with vigor when Separation Day rolls around!
November 4: Flag Day (Día de los Símbolos Patrios)
November 4th is Flag Day in Panama. On this day in 1903, the newly independent Panamanian people unveiled a new flag, and a new era immediately began for this great country. Three designs were originally made and though only one was ultimately chosen as Panama’s flag, all were flown on that first Flag Day, a proud day for Panama. Panama City also hosts a very important official parade on Flag Day where many government entities are represented and honored. With live music and full dress uniforms, on a busy street through the city, it’s a must-see!
November 5: Colon Day (Día de Colón)
Colon Day is November 5th and is a landmark day in Panamanian history. Colon Day marks the uprising of Panamanians in Colon against the Columbian Army. It was Columbia’s intent to march on Panama City, and the people were successful in stopping it. Had they not been successful, it could have given Columbia the upper hand and changed the course of Panama’s history. Colon Day is celebrated in place of Columbus Day in Panama.
November 10: First Call for Independence from the Village of Los Santos (Primer Grito de la Independencia de la Villa de los Santos)
Primer Grito de la Independencia de la Villa de los Santos is not just a really, really long name, it happens to be a very important day as well. November 10, 1821, marks the day a letter was written to Simon Bolivar from the people in the village of Los Santos, a small town in central Panama. The letter was a cry for independence from Spain and set the wheels in motion for ultimate independence, so this day was lovingly saddled with the epic name of “First Call for Independence from the Village of Los Santos”.
November 28: Independence Day (Día de Independencia de España)
On November 28, 1821, Panama did ultimately gain independence from Spain. So last, but certainly not least, is Independence Day in Panama. A day to reflect on where Panama has been and where it’s going.
Government Holidays Are Banking Holidays!
These are all government holidays, so if November in Panama really does seem like something you’ll want to do, plan plan plan as much as possible! This cannot be overstated.
Government offices are closed, schools as well, in addition to limited public services such as buses, and of course, many businesses will shut their doors on each of these holidays too. So while it is a wonderful time to be in Panama, it has that “holiday feel” for a reason!
Many people are on holiday, so just be sure to reserve your hotel room, transportation, and tours in advance. And if there are any places you absolutely must get to, be sure to research availability before you leave so you don’t get a last-minute surprise!
A Month of National Pride & Festivities
Visiting Panama during the month of November might pose a little more of a challenge in the planning stages, but we feel it’s one of the best times of the year to be in a place where the only thing they take seriously is the holidays! There are so many chances to immerse in this rich culture, get to know its people better, and explore the real Panama, why on earth wouldn’t you want to be here in November? Each day offers its own intention, a reason to celebrate, and the Panamanian people rise to each holiday with colorful decorations, traditional dress, parades, fairs, dancing, food, and celebration. Be there or be square!
