Panama holiday calendar

Public holidays in Panama 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Panama public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
12
Regional dates
0
Observances
6
Substitute dates
2

How public holidays work in Panama

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Panama calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

2 holidays have a separate substitute or observed date in 2026. Those dates are shown in the table, but entitlements can still depend on location, employer and the governing authority. November is the busiest month, with 6 listed dates.

Panama holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 18 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Panama for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayPanama’s January 1 national holiday, following the Nochevieja celebrations of New Year’s Eve.Public holiday—
Martyrs’ DayPanama’s January 9 national day of mourning, commemorating people killed during the 1964 flag protests in the Canal Zone.Public holiday
Carnival SundayThe opening Sunday of Panama’s Carnival season, leading into the national rest day on Carnival Tuesday.Cultural observance—
Carnival TuesdayA national mandatory rest day at the height of Panama’s Carnival celebrations, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.Public holiday—
Good FridayA national day of mourning and mandatory rest at the solemn center of Panama’s Christian Holy Week observance.Public holiday—
Labor DayPanama’s May 1 national mandatory rest day honoring workers and the international labor movement.Public holiday—
Foundation of Panama CityAn August 15 local historical observance marking the 1519 founding of Panama City, especially relevant in Panama District.Cultural observance—
All Souls’ DayA November 2 religious observance when many Panamanian families remember deceased relatives and visit cemeteries.Cultural observance—
Separation DayPanama’s November 3 national mandatory rest day commemorating the 1903 separation from Colombia and the birth of the republic.Public holiday—
National Symbols DayA November 4 civic observance honoring Panama’s flag, coat of arms and national anthem during the Fiestas Patrias season.Cultural observance—
Colón DayPanama’s November 5 national mandatory rest day commemorating the 1903 consolidation of separation from Colombia in Colón.Public holiday—
First Cry of IndependencePanama’s November 10 national mandatory rest day commemorating the 1821 uprising in La Villa de Los Santos.Public holiday—
Independence from SpainPanama’s November 28 national mandatory rest day marking its 1821 independence from Spain.Public holiday—
Mother’s DayPanama’s December 8 national mandatory rest day honoring mothers and caregivers, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.Public holiday—
National Day of MourningPanama’s December 20 national day of mourning for those killed during the 1989 U.S. invasion.Public holiday
Christmas EveThe December 24 Nochebuena celebration, centered on family meals, music and preparations for Christmas Day in Panama.Cultural observance—
Christmas DayPanama’s December 25 national mandatory rest day, celebrating Christmas with family, faith and seasonal food.Public holiday—
New Year’s EveThe December 31 Nochevieja celebration closing the year with family dinners, music and a midnight countdown in Panama.Cultural observance—

Sources for Panama holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.