Panama (PA)
Panama is one of the most popular expat countries in the Americas in 2026, especially for retirees, remote-income households, investors, entrepreneurs and families who want US-dollar living, strong air connectivity, private healthcare and established expat communities.
Capital: Panama City
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: USD ($)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)
Emergency: 911
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Public Holidays 2026
12 holidays in Panama. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Ano Nuevo
National public holiday. Banks, schools, government offices and most commercial businesses close.
Fri 9
Martyrs' Day Public Holiday
Dia de los Martires
Commemorates the 1964 flag riots. National public holiday; military parades and official ceremonies.
February 2026
Tue 17
Carnival (Shrove Tuesday) Optional
Martes de Carnaval
Not a mandatory federal rest day but widely observed. Carnival runs Feb 14–17, ending on Shrove Tuesday (day before Ash Wednesday Feb 18). Las Tablas, Penonomé and Panama City are the main Carnival centres. Significant travel and road disruption.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Viernes Santo
National public holiday. Most businesses close; tourism areas are busy with pilgrimage and beach travel.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Dia del Trabajo
National public holiday. Government offices and banks close. Some services and retail remain open.
November 2026
Tue 3
Separation of Panama from Colombia Day Public Holiday
Separacion de Panama de Colombia
National public holiday commemorating independence from Colombia in 1903. Flag ceremonies and civic events.
Wed 4
Flag Day Public Holiday
Dia de la Bandera
National public holiday. Schools and government offices observe patriotic ceremonies.
Thu 5
Colon Day Public Holiday
Dia de Colon
Holiday specific to Colon province, but observed nationally. Banks and government offices close.
Tue 10
First Call for Independence Day Public Holiday
Primer Grito de Independencia
Commemorates the first call for independence in La Villa de Los Santos in 1821. National public holiday.
Sat 28
Independence from Spain Day Public Holiday
Dia de la Independencia de Espana
Commemorates independence from Spain in 1821. National public holiday.
December 2026
Tue 8
Mother's Day Public Holiday
Dia de la Madre
National public holiday coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Restaurants and family venues are very busy.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Navidad
National public holiday. Banks, schools and government offices close from 24 December through New Year.
Note: Some holidays in Panama apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.