Public Holidays in Panama 2025
Panama has a blend of national, religious, and cultural public holidays. Some are observed by government and banks, while others are regional or observance days. Many holiday lists include bank/non-working days.
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Public Holidays in Panama 2025
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | Nationwide holiday |
| January 9 | Thursday | Martyrs’ Day (Día de los Mártires) | Commemorates 1964 protests in the Canal Zone area |
| March 3 | Monday | Carnival (Shrove Monday) | Part of Carnival observances; banks/non-working in many places |
| March 4 | Tuesday | Carnival / Mardi Gras | National holiday during Carnival period |
| March 5 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday (Miércoles de Ceniza) | Observed by banks / some government offices |
| April 17 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | Part of Holy Week observance |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | Christian holiday, widely observed |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) | International Workers’ Day |
| August 15 | Friday | Foundation of Old Panama (Panamá La Vieja Day) | Regional / heritage holiday (particularly Panama City) |
| November 3 | Monday | Separation Day (Independence from Colombia, 1903) | Major national holiday |
| November 4 | Tuesday | National Symbols Day (Día de los Símbolos Patrios) | Observed in government / schools; sometimes not full private-sector day |
| November 5 | Wednesday | Colón Day | Commemorates joining of Colón province to independence movement |
| November 10 | Monday | Los Santos Uprising Day | Regional holiday commemorating 1821 uprising |
| November 28 | Friday | Independence Day (from Spain, 1821) | National holiday |
| December 8 | Monday | Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) | Also coincides with Immaculate Conception in some observances |
| December 20 | Saturday | National Day of Mourning (Día de Duelo Nacional) | Commemorates those lost in U.S. invasion, 1989 |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Christmas Eve (Víspera de Navidad) | Often partial or bank holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Navidad) | National holiday |
| December 31 | Wednesday | New Year’s Eve (Fin de Año) | Some banks / institutions observe afternoon closure |
Notes & Observations
- Panama’s public holidays include religious Christian observances, national independence/separation days, and heritage/region-specific celebrations.
- November is especially rich in national holidays (“Fiestas Patrias”), including Separation Day (Nov 3), National Symbols Day (Nov 4), Colón Day (Nov 5), Los Santos Uprising (Nov 10), and Independence Day (Nov 28).
- National Symbols Day (Nov 4) is a government/public agencies holiday; private sector observance may vary.
- Some holidays like Carnival are multi-day events.
- When a national holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is often observed as a paid day off.
- Holiday lists (especially local or bank holidays) are subject to updates via government gazette or decrees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Panama have in 2025?
Panama has about 17 national and observance holidays, including bank holidays, regional holidays, and observance days in 2025.
What are the “Fiestas Patrias” in Panama?
“Fiestas Patrias” refer to a cluster of national holidays in November celebrating Panama’s independence, symbols, and historic events (Nov 3, 4, 5, 10, 28).
Is National Symbols Day on November 4 a full holiday?
It is observed by government offices and schools; private sector observance may vary — it is not always a full paid holiday for all.
Does Panama shift holidays that fall on weekends?
Yes. In many cases, when a national holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is treated as the observed holiday with pay.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Panama reflect a rich mix of religious observances, national heritage, and historic celebrations. From New Year and Good Friday to the high-profile Fiestas Patrias in November, these holidays shape civic life across the country. Because some holidays (especially local or bank observances) may be modified by government decree, always check official sources close to the dates.
