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Panama Public Holidays

Panama observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Overview

Panama observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.

Explore the holiday calendar for Panama by year below.

2026 holidays

A quick look at upcoming holidays in Panama.

DateDayHoliday
Jan 1ThursdayNew Year's Day
Jan 9FridayMartyr's Day
Feb 16MondayCarnival
Feb 17TuesdayCarnival
Apr 3FridayGood Friday
May 1FridayLabour Day
Nov 3TuesdaySeparation Day
Nov 4WednesdayFlag Day
Nov 5ThursdayColon Day
Nov 10TuesdayShout in Villa de los Santos
Nov 28SaturdayIndependence Day
Dec 8TuesdayMother's Day
Dec 25FridayChristmas Day

Holiday calendar by year

Years are listed in ascending order.

About public holidays in Panama

This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Panama. Holidays are observed nationwide on fixed dates or based on religious observances. You can find definitions for public holidays on our global public holidays page. For a comprehensive list of all observed holidays in Panama for a specific year, please visit the Panama holidays in 2026 page.

Major public holidays in 2026

In 2026, Panama observes a number of significant public holidays. These holidays often involve national celebrations and observances.

Other notable holidays in 2026 include Carnival, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. For a complete list, check the Panama holidays in 2026 page.

  • New Year's Day1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
  • Martyr's Day9 January 2026. Commemorates a significant historical event.
  • Labour Day1 May 2026. Celebrates workers and their contributions.
  • Separation Day3 November 2026. Commemorates Panama's separation from Colombia.
  • Independence Day28 November 2026. Celebrates Panama's independence.
  • Christmas Day25 December 2026. A widely celebrated religious and cultural holiday.

Planning around holidays

Panamanian public holidays are spread throughout the year, with a concentration in November. Many holidays fall on weekdays, but some may occur on weekends, potentially shifting observance to an adjacent weekday depending on specific regulations. It's always advisable to check the exact dates for your chosen year, as some holidays, like Carnival and Good Friday, are based on religious calendars and can vary.

  • November: This month features a cluster of national holidays, often leading to extended periods of observance.
  • Religious Holidays: Dates for holidays like Good Friday are determined by the lunar calendar and will change annually.
  • Fixed Dates: Many holidays, such as New Year's Day and Independence Day, are celebrated on the same date each year.
  • Weekend Impact: When a holiday falls on a weekend, its observance may be shifted to a nearby weekday, affecting business operations.

Plan Your Year Around PA Holidays

Calendar Tool

View Panama holidays in calendar mode

Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.

Frequently asked questions