While anytime is a good time to visit Panama, our summer weather from December to March is perhaps the best time of year.   We have the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival this month from the 21st through the 24th and this years line up is great.  Next month we have  the biggest party in Panama, CARNIVAL!! March 2nd to March 5th.

The best place to experience CARNIVAL is in Las Tablas and the party begins 4 days before Ash Wednesday which is March 2nd this year.  The celebration is non stop day and night and makes spring break in the US look very tame.  Some say you need to see a psychologist after it is all over!!

Las Tablas has few hotels and unless you book months in advance they will be full. The best way to enjoy Carnival in Las Tablas is to stay with Panamanian friends in a hostel or AirBnb.  You can also try nearby towns like Pedasi or Chitre.  Book now for March 2 to March 5 and enjoy the party.

During the carnival, people divide themselves into two groups called tunas, one tuna represents the Upper Street, and the other one comes from the Lower Street. They elect their queens, and the whole craziness begins.

In the morning, there are water, blue dye and shaving cream fights in the central plaza, followed by the two Tunas parades in street clothes. At night the fun doesn’t stop with the plentitude of fireworks, festive dances, and street performances lighting up the night sky. After the night parades, each tuna goes back to its Toldo (the base) and join a large dancing party till the early hours of the morning.

Carnival is also celebrated in many other cities of the country like Penonomé (in the Province of Coclé), Chitré (in Herrera), Chorrera (in the Province of Panamá). Another popular spot to spend carnival is in Penonomé, capital of Coclé province, where their parade takes place on Zarati river and is known for its dance performances in the water.

Enjoy!!