Planning your year effectively requires knowing the official public holidays in Panama for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or coordinating with family, understanding these nationwide observances helps you make the most of your time. This comprehensive guide covers all 14 confirmed national public holidays recognized across Panama in 2026, ensuring you won’t miss important dates for work or leisure planning.
Official Public Holidays in Panama 2026
Panama recognizes 14 statutory national public holidays throughout 2026. These dates are observed nationwide, with government offices, banks, and most businesses closed. Consequently, it’s essential to plan ahead for these occasions, particularly when coordinating international business or travel arrangements.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 9 | Friday | Martyrs’ Day |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Carnival Tuesday |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| November 3 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| November 4 | Wednesday | National Symbols Day |
| November 5 | Thursday | Colón Day |
| November 10 | Tuesday | Shout in Villa de los Santos |
| November 28 | Saturday | Independence from Spain |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Mother’s Day |
| December 20 | Sunday | National Day of Mourning |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Understanding Panama’s National Holidays
Each public holiday in Panama carries significant cultural, historical, or religious meaning. Tracking these dates accurately becomes crucial for residents and visitors alike, especially when planning important events or travel itineraries.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
The year begins with a nationwide celebration marking the start of 2026. New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, creating an extended weekend opportunity when combined with the regular weekend. However, most businesses and government offices remain closed throughout this day, so planning accordingly is advised.
Martyrs’ Day (January 9)
Martyrs’ Day commemorates the 1964 flag riots and honors those who lost their lives during protests over Panamanian sovereignty in the Canal Zone. This significant national observance falls on a Friday in 2026, consequently creating another long weekend early in the year.
Carnival Tuesday (February 17)
Panama’s Carnival celebrations culminate on Carnival Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. This festive holiday features parades, music, and traditional celebrations throughout the country. Meanwhile, businesses typically close for this day of national celebration.
Holy Week Observances (April 2-3)
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are observed as consecutive national holidays, creating a four-day weekend when combined with the regular weekend. These Christian observances hold deep religious significance for Panama’s predominantly Catholic population. On the other hand, this extended break represents one of the year’s most significant holiday periods for family gatherings and travel.
Labor Day (May 1)
International Workers’ Day is celebrated nationwide on May 1, falling on a Friday in 2026. This creates another natural long weekend, perfect for short trips or family activities. The holiday honors workers’ rights and contributions to society.
November Independence Celebrations (November 3-5, 10, 28)
November is Panama’s patriotic month, featuring five separate national holidays commemorating different aspects of the country’s independence. This remarkable concentration of observances makes November particularly important for understanding Panama’s history and national identity.
Independence Day (November 3) marks Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903, establishing the Republic of Panama. National Symbols Day (November 4) honors Panama’s flag and national symbols. Colón Day (November 5) celebrates the unsuccessful attempt to suppress Panama’s independence movement in the city of Colón. These three consecutive holidays create an extended celebration period.
Shout in Villa de los Santos (November 10) commemorates the first cry for independence from Spain in 1821. Later in the month, Independence from Spain (November 28) marks Panama’s actual independence from Spanish colonial rule as part of Gran Colombia.
Mother’s Day (December 8)
Unlike many countries that celebrate Mother’s Day in May, Panama observes this holiday on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This Tuesday holiday provides an opportunity for families to honor mothers and maternal figures.
National Day of Mourning (December 20)
This solemn observance commemorates the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama. Falling on a Sunday in 2026, it serves as a day of reflection and remembrance for all Panamanians.
Christmas Day (December 25)
The year concludes with Christmas Day, celebrated nationwide on Friday, December 25. This creates another long weekend opportunity, perfect for year-end celebrations and family gatherings.
Planning Tips for 2026
Several strategic opportunities exist for extending weekends throughout 2026. January features two Friday holidays (Martyrs’ Day on January 9 and potentially connecting with New Year’s), creating excellent opportunities for short getaways. Similarly, May 1 falls on a Friday, naturally extending the weekend.
The November independence celebrations present unique planning considerations. With five national holidays spread throughout the month, business operations may be significantly affected. Consequently, scheduling important meetings or transactions during November requires careful coordination. Setting reminders well in advance helps ensure you don’t overlook these critical dates.
Holy Week in April offers the longest consecutive holiday period, spanning Thursday and Friday, then extending through the weekend. This four-day break represents one of the year’s prime opportunities for domestic and international travel. However, booking accommodations and transportation early is essential, as demand peaks during this period.
Important Considerations for Employees and Employers
Panamanian labor law entitles employees to 13 paid public holidays annually. An important provision states that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the holiday instead. In 2026, this applies to the National Day of Mourning (December 20), meaning December 21 may be observed as the substitute holiday.
Employers should note that working on public holidays typically requires additional compensation as specified in employment contracts and labor regulations. Furthermore, planning workforce schedules around these dates ensures compliance with labor laws while maintaining business continuity.
Travel and Tourism Implications
Public holidays significantly impact travel patterns in Panama. Major highways, airports, and popular tourist destinations experience increased traffic during long weekends and holiday periods. Therefore, travelers should book accommodations and transportation well in advance, particularly for the April Holy Week period and November’s independence celebrations.
International visitors should be aware that government offices, including immigration services, close on public holidays. Banking services are also unavailable, though ATMs remain operational. Consequently, planning cash needs and official business around these dates prevents inconvenient disruptions.
Popular tourist destinations like Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, and the mountain town of Boquete see increased domestic tourism during holiday periods. On the other hand, this can mean vibrant atmospheres with local festivities, though accommodation availability may be limited. Consulting travel guides and local resources helps optimize your holiday travel experience.
Banking and Business Operations
All banks and financial institutions close on national public holidays. ATMs function normally, but in-person banking services are unavailable. Business operations vary by sector, with retail establishments in tourist areas sometimes remaining open while offices typically close.
For international business dealings, Panama’s holiday schedule affects transaction processing times. Wire transfers and official document processing may experience delays when holidays fall mid-week. Therefore, accounting for these dates in business planning prevents unexpected complications.
Regional Variations and Local Observances
While this guide focuses exclusively on nationwide holidays, Panama also celebrates numerous regional and local festivities. Each province and district may observe additional holidays specific to their locality. For instance, the Foundation of Old Panama City on August 15 is celebrated primarily in Panama City as a local observance.
These regional celebrations, while culturally significant, do not constitute nationwide public holidays. Consequently, they are not included in this official list. However, local businesses and services may be affected in specific areas during these celebrations.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Panama’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s complex history, including colonial Spanish rule, connection to Colombia, U.S. involvement in the Canal Zone, and eventual full sovereignty. The concentration of independence-related holidays in November demonstrates how central these historical events remain to Panamanian national identity.
Religious holidays, particularly those during Holy Week, showcase Panama’s predominantly Catholic heritage. Meanwhile, secular observances like Labor Day connect Panama to broader international workers’ rights movements. This blend of historical, religious, and civic holidays creates a diverse calendar that honors multiple aspects of Panamanian society.
Changes and Updates
While the holidays listed are confirmed for 2026 based on Panama’s established holiday calendar, the government occasionally announces adjustments or additional observances. Presidential inaugurations, which occur every five years, may result in additional holiday declarations when applicable.
Staying informed about any last-minute changes is advisable, particularly as specific dates approach. Government announcements and official sources provide the most reliable updates regarding holiday observances.
Maximizing Long Weekends in 2026
Strategic planning around Panama’s public holidays can maximize time off throughout 2026. Here are the notable long weekend opportunities:
- New Year’s Weekend: January 1 (Thursday) creates a four-day weekend
- Martyrs’ Day Weekend: January 9 (Friday) extends into the weekend
- Holy Week: April 2-3 (Thursday-Friday) creates a four-day weekend
- Labor Day Weekend: May 1 (Friday) extends the weekend
- November Independence Period: Multiple consecutive holidays create extended breaks
- Christmas Weekend: December 25 (Friday) leads into the weekend
Taking strategic vacation days adjacent to these holidays can create week-long breaks with minimal impact on annual leave balances. For example, taking Monday, January 5 through Wednesday, January 7 off creates a nine-day break using only three vacation days.
Conclusion
Understanding Panama’s public holidays for 2026 is essential for effective planning throughout the year. These 14 nationwide observances represent important cultural, historical, and religious occasions that shape the rhythm of Panamanian life. Whether you’re scheduling business operations, planning travel adventures, or coordinating family activities, keeping this comprehensive holiday calendar at hand ensures you make informed decisions.
Remember to check back periodically for any updates or changes to the holiday schedule, as government announcements occasionally affect specific observances. By planning ahead and respecting these important national dates, you can navigate 2026 with confidence and make the most of both working days and well-deserved time off.
For more helpful planning resources, explore our current local times around the world, use our convenient timer tools for time management, and browse our comprehensive guides for additional planning assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Panama?
Panama recognizes 14 statutory national public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), Martyrs’ Day (January 9), Carnival Tuesday (February 17), Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (November 3), National Symbols Day (November 4), Colón Day (November 5), Shout in Villa de los Santos (November 10), Independence from Spain (November 28), Mother’s Day (December 8), National Day of Mourning (December 20), and Christmas Day (December 25). These dates are observed throughout the entire country with government offices and most businesses closed.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create excellent long weekend opportunities in 2026. Martyrs’ Day falls on Friday, January 9, extending into the weekend. Holy Week features consecutive holidays on Thursday and Friday (April 2-3), creating a four-day weekend. Labor Day on Friday, May 1, naturally extends the weekend. November’s independence celebrations include three consecutive days off (November 3-5), creating an extended holiday period. Christmas falls on Friday, December 25, leading into the weekend. Additionally, New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, creates a four-day weekend when combined with the prior weekend.
Are any holidays subject to change?
While the listed holidays are established according to Panama’s official holiday calendar, the government may occasionally announce adjustments. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as the substitute holiday. In 2026, this applies to the National Day of Mourning on December 20. Presidential inaugurations, occurring every five years, may result in additional observances when applicable. It’s advisable to monitor government announcements for any last-minute changes, particularly as specific dates approach. However, the core 14 national holidays listed are confirmed and unlikely to change.
How do public holidays affect banking and business operations?
All banks and government offices close on national public holidays in Panama. ATMs remain operational for basic transactions, but in-person banking services and official government business are unavailable. Most corporate offices close, though some retail establishments, particularly in tourist areas, may remain open with reduced hours. For international business dealings, wire transfers and document processing may experience delays when holidays fall mid-week. Planning financial transactions and official business around these dates prevents unnecessary complications and ensures timely completion of important matters.
What makes November special for holidays in Panama?
November is Panama’s patriotic month, featuring five separate national holidays commemorating different aspects of the country’s independence. This concentration includes Independence Day (November 3), National Symbols Day (November 4), Colón Day (November 5), Shout in Villa de los Santos (November 10), and Independence from Spain (November 28). These observances reflect Panama’s complex independence history, including separation from Colombia and earlier independence from Spain. The multiple holidays create extended breaks and reduced business operations throughout the month, making November particularly significant for understanding Panamanian national identity and requiring careful planning for business activities.