If you’re mourning the end of the holidays, wishing for another excuse to celebrate, don’t despair! Carnival season is just around the corner.
Celebrated all over the Americas and in some countries in Europe, Carnival (or Carnaval, if you prefer) is probably the most widespread party in the world. No matter where you celebrate, non-stop dancing, eating, drinking, and losing yourself in a whirlwind of chaos will inevitably blur into a surreal, dreamlike memory.
Before you pack your bags and buy a ticket to Brazil, though, turn your attention a little further north. Why not consider visiting Panama for Carnival instead?
Places where you can stay
Carnival in Panama
Though it’s not as widely known as the one in Rio, Panama’s Carnival is actually the second-largest celebration in the entire world.
Considering the size of the country (3 million people), it is safe to say that this is quite an impressive feat. Add to that the obvious allure of a shorter flight, cheaper prices and fewer tourists, and celebrating Carnival in Panama will sound as sweet as honey.
Many countries celebrate it, but none do Carnival quite like the Panamanians. With explosively colorful costumes, beautiful scenery, friendly locals, delicious food, and unique traditions, this is definitely the party you don’t want to miss.
ⓘ TIP: Practically every town in Panama celebrates Carnival. Las Tablas, Penonome, and Los Santos are the most popular destinations for the holiday. Read our article about Carnival in Panama City and take your pick.
History of Panama Carnival
Carnival first began during colonial times, when Panamanians dressed up as the King and Queen of Spain. As a way to both celebrate and mock the culture that had been created from Spanish conquest, many wore costumes of conquistadors, slaves, and natives.
During the celebration, the people would parade the Carnival King and Queen, simulate battles between groups, and dance to their hearts’ content.
It wasn’t until 1910 that the Carnival became an official holiday in Panama. By then, some things had changed. The King disappeared – no one knows where to – and the Queen was left to reign over party enthusiasts.
New characters like demons, bulls, and feathered beauties rose up to replace the colonial characters of the past. Panama Carnival, like the country, had moved forward.
The devil in Panama Carnival
Whether you spell it Carnaval or Carnival, the fiesta begins the week before Lent begins and culminates the day before Ash Wednesday. Lent is the 40 day period of abstinence that lead up to Easter in the Catholic faith.
Whether in Panama City, Bocas del Toro, or anywhere in between, it’s traditional that “devils” will be a big part of Panama Carnival. These costumed creatures are symbolically meant to scare evil spirits away with their antics.
The larger the devil, the more frightening and effective it is supposed to be, and those who wear the costumes covet the most impressive ones. It has become quite the competition. If you can overtake one as a regular person, then the next year you’ll be able to wear that devil costume. If you’re already costumed and succeed, the loser’s costume will be yours next year.
The devils are also known for doing mischievous things, like smacking people with a whip if they are challenged, so be careful!
Panama Carnival today
Today, two of the most popular traditions are the feud and the mojaderas.
The feud is a remnant from colonial days. It has morphed into a battle of opulence and extravagance between two historically rivaling neighborhoods: Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo in the tiny town of Las Tablas.
The feud in Las Tablas may very well be the biggest draw in all of Panama’s Carnival celebrations. People from all over the world visit Las Tablas for it. The neighborhoods vie for the prize of having the most beautiful queen and the most creative parade float.
The mojaderas are just as enjoyable, although more based on need than history. Throughout the event, giant water trucks (culecos) come around and spray people with their large hoses. Wherever the culecos can’t fit, you’ll find people spraying each other with water guns and dumping buckets of water on passersby.
It might sound annoying and seem thoughtless, but it’s not. When you’re in a hot tropical climate and surrounded by thousands of people in tight spaces, you’ll be very glad those mojaderas exist.
Panama Carnival schedule
Carnival is celebrated on the four days before Lent, worldwide (find Carnival dates here). Though there are some variations in the celebrations around Panama, this is the general schedule followed during these four days of partying:
Friday:
The highlight of the first night of Carnival is the Queen’s selection from among aspiring candidates. The party’s sovereign then parades around, celebrated by her people. Music plays non-stop and people dance in the streets, surrendering to the contagious atmosphere of joy.
Saturday:
The coronation ceremony takes place amid more music and dancing. Parades take over the streets and people enjoy the refreshing mojaditas.
High-end clubs, bars, and pretty much any place with a dancing space hosts an indoor Carnival party tonight.
Sunday:
Besides the continuous parades and parties, the special event of the day is the pollera parade. Hundreds of women and girls take to the streets in their gorgeous and colorful dresses. It’s a way to celebrate the country’s history.
Monday:
You’ll find more parades and parties, but this is usually the most laid-back Carnival day. People rest a bit in preparation for tomorrow, the culmination of the entire festival.
Tuesday:
The last day of Carnival is the biggest and most important of all. Extravagant floats and costumed brigades parade down the streets, surrounded by an air of exquisite chaos and festivity.
First time at Panama Carnival?
Here are some tips to enhance your experience.
- Bring clothes you don’t care about. No matter what you do, you will get wet and dirty. It’s possible that your clothes will be stained and ruined. Don’t wear that favorite shirt, pack comfortable clothes that you can throw away at the end of your trip.
- Wear good shoes. You will be standing, walking, and dancing for the majority of four days, so be kind to your feet. You will need comfortable shoes.
- Make reservations months in advance! Remember, this is the second-largest Carnival celebration in the entire world. Accommodation is basically impossible to find at the last minute, so plan ahead.
- Bring a positive attitude. Carnival is about celebrating and enjoying life, so leave your worries behind, enjoy the country, and immerse yourself in the revelry.
Read our related article: Tips on Celebrating Carnaval in Panama
Plan your Panama Carnival vacation
Dates – If you want to celebrate Carnival in Panama, this website lists the upcoming dates.
Activities – Want to see and do more while you’re in Panama (like the canal)? Find more fun ideas here.
Where to stay for Panama Carnival
In Panama City, we recommend staying near Avenida Balboa, which runs along Panama’s waterfront. You will be within easy walking distance of all the action.
The fiesta is on Cinta Costera, between Mercado de Mariscos and Multicentro mall. Bear in mind that the closer your hotel is to the activity, the more noise you will hear.
I had no idea Panama had Carnival and it was the 2nd biggest celebration after Brazil’s Linda. Way cool. I’d visit in a heart beat. We were set to visit Panama a few years back but needed to visit the States for family stuff. When we visit I’ll keep this period of time in mind. Seems like a fun, enjoyable and maybe slightly reserved version compared to Brazil which works for me. Love those devil masks.
Ryan
Yeah, Ryan, Panama’s Carnival is heaven if you like street parties. With you on the comparison to Rio – we imagine it’s pretty intense, and generally prefer something a little more sedate. Too much sensory input at one time is overwhelming.
Linda
We’ve just been to the Carnaval in Panama City, I don’t know how it is in Las Tablas (the most famous one) but I will skip the capital it is not what I understand of a canaval
I think every country celebrates it a little differently.
My only worry is where to go to the toilet – I am such a nana at times.
But it does look fun. Love the tip about not wearing your best clothes.
Heck yeah, I’m a nana too, Sally. But no worries, there are plenty of porta-potties to be found.