Carnival is one big party, to put it simply.

Carnival usually involves a public

celebration (street party) and parade through the streets of the center of town.

Brazil has made carnival internationally renowned and is the most popular location in
the world to celebrate carnival. But today many cities and regions worldwide also
celebrate carnival with elaborate parades and huge parties. Rio de Janeiro stakes claim
to the largest carnival in the world, but according to some sources, Panamas carnival is
the second biggest in the world.
Carnival in Panama
Carnival has been celebrated in Panama since the early 1900s. While the Panamanian
roots of the festive celebration lie in Panama City, the fun-filled holiday has spread to all
corners of the country. Panamanians put their inhibitions aside and let the party spirit
take them over.
Basically the town is geographically divided down the middle to form the two competing
sides. Each side chooses their own carnival queen and competes to out match each
other with amazing floats, extravagant costumes and group dances.
The Panamanian carnival also attracts national and international musical talent. It is
common that towns will set up multiple concert stages throughout the designated
carnival area.
A unique facet about Panamas carnival are the Cuelcos, which are large water trucks
that blast music and get surrounded by people dancing in the street while being sprayed
with water.

Panamas carnival celebration has become popular thanks to the exuberance and
magnitude of Las Tablas, a small town in the Los Santos Province on the Azuero
Peninsula. The provincial town, about 130 miles west of Panama City, is considered by
many Panamanians to be the best place to celebrate carnival.
Panama City Carnival & Schedule
Starting on Friday and throughout the following four days, many of the citys hotels join
in the celebration and sponsor related events, either by putting on a concert, hosting
dance parties or serving food.
Saturday: Beginning in the early afternoon, 1,000s of people start to fill the street and
the bordering park areas of the Cinta Costera. The afternoon and evening play host to a
series of events, including live bands playing salsa, reggae, reggaetone, and
Panamanian folk music. The atmosphere is transformed from an ordinary street into an
enormous street party where everyone is drinking, dancing and socializing.
Sunday: Around the middle of the day Sunday, a parade of thousands of women
dressed in Panamas national costume called pollera ensues in the Cinta Costera.
A pollera is a large one-piece handmade skirt decorated with colorful embroidery.
Monday: Although Monday may not host a special event, nevertheless it is just as
exciting as the other days. With streets full of party goers having a great time, a small
parade takes place and people enjoy the day dancing and drinking.
Tuesday: Tuesday has the biggest carnival celebration and the largest parties in
Panama City.
If you are going to choose only one day to experience the party, Tuesday is your best
choice. Get ready for hours of dancing and dont stop until you see the sun rise.
Wednesday: Traditionally, carnival comes to an end on Ash Wednesday when a sardine
is symbolically buried at the beach and marks the start of fasting for Lent.