Public Holidays in Panama 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Panama observes a blend of national, religious, and cultural public holidays. Some holidays are statutory nationwide, while others are observed mainly by government offices, banks, or specific regions. Several holidays may be shifted when they fall on a weekend.
Explore more: Public Holidays in State of Palestine
Travel Tip: Major holidays such as Independence and the November Fiestas Patrias are popular times to explore places to visit in Panama, though public services may be limited.
Public Holidays in Panama 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | Nationwide public holiday |
| January 9 | Friday | Martyrs’ Day | Commemorates 1964 Canal Zone events |
| February 16 | Monday | Carnival (Shrove Monday) | Observed in many regions |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Carnival / Mardi Gras | National Carnival holiday |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | Bank / partial government observance |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Holy Week observance |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian national holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Foundation of Old Panama | Regional / heritage holiday |
| November 3 | Tuesday | Separation Day | Independence from Colombia (1903) |
| November 4 | Wednesday | National Symbols Day | Government & schools; private sector varies |
| November 5 | Thursday | Colón Day | Joins Colón to independence movement |
| November 10 | Tuesday | Los Santos Uprising Day | Regional / historical observance |
| November 28 | Saturday | Independence Day | Independence from Spain (1821) |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Mother’s Day | National observance |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | National holiday |
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 | 1964 Canal Zone commemoration |
| March 3 | Monday | Carnival (Shrove Monday) | Non-working in many sectors |
| March 4 | Tuesday | Carnival / Mardi Gras | National Carnival holiday |
| March 5 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | Bank / partial government observance |
| April 17 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Holy Week observance |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| August 15 | Friday | Foundation of Old Panama | Regional / heritage holiday |
| November 3 | Monday | Separation Day | Major national holiday |
| November 4 | Tuesday | National Symbols Day | Government & schools |
| November 5 | Wednesday | Colón Day | Historic regional observance |
| November 10 | Monday | Los Santos Uprising Day | Regional holiday |
| November 28 | Friday | Independence Day | National holiday |
| December 8 | Monday | Mother’s Day | National observance |
| December 20 | Saturday | National Day of Mourning | Remembers 1989 invasion victims |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | National holiday |
Notes & Observations
- Panama’s public holidays include national independence days, Christian observances, and regional heritage events.
- November is known for Fiestas Patrias, with multiple historic holidays observed nationwide.
- National Symbols Day (Nov 4) is mainly a government and school holiday; private-sector observance varies.
- Some holidays may be shifted to Mondays if they fall on weekends, depending on official decree.
- Bank and government holiday lists may differ slightly from private-sector observance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Panama have in 2026?
Panama observes approximately 16–18 public and observance holidays in 2026, depending on bank and regional observances.
What are the “Fiestas Patrias” in Panama?
The Fiestas Patrias are November holidays celebrating independence, national symbols, and key historical events.
Is National Symbols Day a full public holiday?
It is observed by government offices and schools; private-sector observance may vary.
Does Panama move 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 day.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Panama reflect its strong national identity, religious traditions, and historical milestones. From Carnival and Holy Week to the November Fiestas Patrias, these holidays play an important role in public life. Because observance rules can vary by sector and decree, checking official announcements remains advisable.
