There are 13 public holidays in Panama in 2023, three of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Martyrs' Day
Martyrs' Day, or the Flag Incident or Flag Protests, is a public holiday in Panama on January 9, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of anti-American riots over the sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone on January 9, 1964.
Carnival
Carnival, observed on February 21, 2023, is the last day before Lenten fasting from Ash Wednesday, so people will use the fat ingredients to prepare for the fasting. Pancake with mixed eggs, milk, and flour is the most common food on Shrove Tuesday.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Independence Day from Colombia
Independence Day from Colombia is a public holiday in Panama, observed on November 3, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when Panama gaining independence from Colombia in 1903.
Flag Day
Flag Day is a public holiday in Panama, observed on November 4, 2023. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the new Panama flag after achieving independence from Colombia in 1903.
Colon Day
The holiday, observed on November 5, 2023, is connected with the independence from Colombia. On November 5, 1903, the local people in Colon persuaded the Colombian Army stationed in Colon not to advance on Panama City. This led to Panama's successful independence from Colombia without military conflicts.
Los Santos Uprising Day
Los Santos Uprising Day is a public holiday in Panama, observed on November 10, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Los Santos declared its separation from the Spanish Empire on November 10, 1921.
Independence Day from Spain
Independence Day from Spain is a public holiday in Panama, observed on December 28, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Panama overthrew Spanish rule in 1921.
Mother's Day
The holiday is in honor of motherhood. People celebrate Mother's Day in different forms and on different days worldwide. In Panama, the celebration day is December 8, which coincides with the Catholic holiday of Immaculate Conception.
Day of Mourning
Day of Mourning is celebrated on December 20, 2023, and commemorates Panamanians who died during the 1989 U.S. invasion of the country. About 300 Panamanian soldiers and 214 civilians were killed during the invasion.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
The following is the list of public holidays in Panama 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Martyrs' Day | Jan 09, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Carnival | Feb 21, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day from Colombia | Nov 03, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Flag Day | Nov 04, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Colon Day | Nov 05, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Colon Day Holiday | Nov 06, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Los Santos Uprising Day | Nov 10, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day from Spain | Nov 28, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Mother's Day | Dec 08, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Panama in 2023.