Saturday 28 November 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027
Public holidays from 28 November to New Year
Several of these dates are national rest days. Hotels, restaurants and food shops may stay open. Many other businesses close.
On a national holiday the Labour Code says businesses stay closed. The exceptions include public services, farms, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, places of entertainment, and shops that sell food. Banks are not among the exceptions.
The code, in the text published by the labour institute, lists 28 November, 8 December, 25 December and 1 January as mandatory rest days. The government’s calendar for 2026, as reported by La Estrella de Panamá, also includes 20 December, and a closure of public offices in Penonomé on 15 December.
Saturday 28 November, independence from Spain
The day marks Panama’s independence from Spain. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, so there is no following Monday in lieu. It is still a national rest day.
The Municipality of Penonomé suspended the patriotic parades it organises in November 2026, after the earthquake of 9 October. This page has no published parade time for 28 November in Antón or Penonomé.
At the resort, the hotel holds a Christmas bazaar and tree lighting the same day.
Tuesday 8 December, Mother’s Day
In Panama, Mother’s Day is 8 December, not a Sunday in May. In 2026 it is a Tuesday, and it is a national rest day.
Tuesday 15 December, offices in Penonomé
National and municipal public offices in the district of Penonomé close for the Immaculate Conception. It is a local office closure, not a national holiday. The decree notice does not publish a procession or a fair.
Sunday 20 December and Monday 21 December
20 December is the day of mourning for those who died in the 1989 invasion. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday. The Labour Code says that when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a mandatory rest day. Reports of the 2026 calendar give Monday 21 December as that day.
Friday 25 December, Christmas
Christmas Day is a national rest day. That night, La Pintada holds El Topón. The next evening, Fonseca plays at the resort. 26 December is not a national holiday.
Friday 1 January 2027, New Year
New Year’s Day is a national rest day. The Labour Code text used here does not make 24 December or 31 December into half-day holidays, so those eves are left off this list.
← All events- When
- 28 November 2026 to 1 January 2027
See each date on this page - Where
- Nationwide, including Buenaventura. Penonomé’s office closure on 15 December is local.