By Juliette Darmon
Experience a Latin America Carnival in Panama! That’s the most awaited date of the Panamanian calendar, and this, since the 1900’s!
Real National Day for four days (before the Ash Wednesday), the whole country is part of the Carnival, and even the littler locality has its own animations! Dances, costumes, music, salsa, merengue and tipico, folkloric popular music are fully part of the carnival. Let’s also enjoy some colorful float, masks and confetti!
Four days of non-stop partying, dancing, singing, drinking and eating, and getting lost in the middle of the crazy crowd! Check our Glimpse of Panama
The Carnival of Panama is famous for its legendary shows and fanfare, and its impressive costumes. This joyous event is also known for the “culecos” or “mojaderas” tradition: the public is sprayed with fire hose getting out of tankers, on Reggaeton and Latin music.
Tips: Take your precautions with your phone, watch and any other electronic stuff you could have with you.
You will also enjoy the polleras parade (Panamanian traditional dresses).
Of course, no Carnival without the Carnival Queen’s election! But do not be surprised if you run into two queens: it’s a Panamanian tradition named the feud. It comes from colonial days that has been converted into a battle of excess and extravagance for the fanciest costumes and most creative floats between two historically rival neighborhoods: Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, for which each one has its queen.
The schedule is always the same: opening the Friday, international day on Saturday, the Pollera day on Sunday, costume day on Monday, Queen day and big parade on the Shrove Tuesday and burial sardine ceremony to end the carnival and the entrance in the Lent. This day is the biggest Carnival Celebration day. The party ends in the early hours of the morning for the sunrise.
Naturally, the famous Panamanian fireworks will close the Carnival!
And of course, you will find many places and trucks by street to eat and drink during the whole celebration!
In Panama City, near 25000 of visitors are expected to come, and the largest celebrations take place on the Cinta Costera.
But Las Tablas, in Los Santos province is certainly one of the best places in Panama to celebrate the Carnival!
As it’s high season, we advise you to book your trip and hotels in advance, to have enough possibilities.
Furthermore, in order to fully enjoy the Carnival in Panama, try to stay with Panamanian people, they will bring you to the best places!
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