Well, we are getting into the Christmas spirit here in Panama and it is not much different that other places in the world where the lights are bright hanging from the trees and the eves of homes and the children are all excited with the upcoming big day ahead.

Panama Christmas traditions contain a curious mixture of Spanish and American traditions due to the Americans building the Panama canal. Panama is a very small country; just smaller than the state of Indiana and they have a population of about 3 million people. About one fourth of the county’s populations lives in Panama City, because of this, Panama city is the center of the country’s Christmas celebration.

On the second weekend in December the festivities begin. The Panama City Christmas parade is one of the most exciting Panama Christmas traditions. The poor children from around the city are gathered together and brought to the center of the festivities, so they, too, can enjoy them. The floats are decorated in the national styles and the women dress in their country’s party dresses.

Smaller neighborhoods love to hold the Spanish Las Posada on the nine days before Christmas. They dress as Mary and Joseph. To mimic the search for a place in the inn, they parade from house to house. At the final house where they are received, they sing, hit piñatas and enjoy food.

Nacimientos, Nativities are set up in many homes.

On Christmas Eve at midnight, the Panamanians don’t ring the Christmas bells to announce the coming of the Lord Jesus, but instead shoot off fabulous fireworks. No one misses the beginning of Christmas in Panama.

They have a night time feast and there is much dancing and celebrating in the streets of Panama. At the feast you can expect to dine on Chicken tamales, Arroz con Pollo chicken and rice, Perhaps, pavo turkey and relleno, stuffing. Beautiful bowls of fruit and fruitcake are the traditional desserts. A form of spiked eggnog called Ron Ponche is often served.

For the huge Catholic population, the biggest feast of the holiday season in Panama is on December 24—or Nochebuena. Typical fare is often a mix of Latin and gringo traditions…turkey and ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and fruitcake may all be on the table.

I hope that you are enjoying this holiday season and the upcoming Holy Day.  God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.