Panama’s Holiday Hours
Change This Week
Panama’s public offices and some city facilities change hours from November 2 through 5. Here is what visitors and expats should check before making plans.
Panama’s holiday week starts today. November 2 is Día de los Difuntos, a day when families remember loved ones. November 3, 4, and 5 bring the main patriotic holidays. If you are visiting, working remotely, moving, or handling paperwork, your normal plan may need a small change.
The biggest practical rule is simple: check hours before you go. Public offices and some city facilities are closing early or staying closed during the holiday period.
What Is Día de los Difuntos?
On November 2, many families in Panama remember people who have died. Families may visit cemeteries, bring flowers, and attend religious activities. The day also includes official ceremonies that honor important people in Panama’s history.
This is a day of respect and memory. Visitors should be quiet and considerate near cemeteries and ceremonies. Do not treat a cemetery like a tourist attraction or take photos of people without permission.
What Closes Today?
The Municipality of Panama says public and municipal institutions close from 1:00 p.m. on November 2 until regular hours return on November 6. This includes several taxpayer service centers in Panama City.
Mi Pueblito closes at noon on November 2. It is scheduled to welcome visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on other November days. Summit Botanical Garden keeps its regular Tuesday–Sunday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is normally closed on Mondays for maintenance.
What Happens on November 3–5?
November 3 is Independence Day. November 4 is Flag Day. November 5 is Colon Day, a national holiday. Panama’s official 2026 calendar lists these dates as holidays, but each business and attraction may set its own hours.
Panama City also holds patriotic parades on November 3 and 4. Expect crowds and traffic changes around Casco Antiguo, Avenida Balboa, Vía España, and nearby streets. If you read our parade guide, check same-day updates before you leave.
Simple Planning Tips for Visitors
Finish important errands early. Keep extra time for traffic. Carry water and a light rain layer. If you are meeting someone, choose a clear meeting point away from a parade route or a crowded cemetery entrance.
For a museum, garden, restaurant, or tour, check the attraction’s own website or social page. A holiday on the national calendar does not always mean that every private business closes.
Visitors should also follow current safety guidance. The U.S. State Department advises increased caution because of crime and says to avoid demonstrations and large crowds when possible. That advice is general; it does not mean you should skip every public event. It means you should stay aware and follow local instructions.
What Should Expats Know?
If you are moving to Panama, this week is useful for learning how the country works. Public offices, schools, delivery services, banks, and private companies may not use the same holiday schedule.
Do not book a government appointment, property visit, immigration errand, or delivery without checking the date and office hours. Build one extra day into your plan when a holiday week is involved.
The Bottom Line
November 2 is a day of remembrance. November 3–5 are patriotic holidays. Panama is open, but public services and some attractions are using special hours.
Arrive early, confirm before you travel, respect local ceremonies, and leave room for traffic and weather changes. That small amount of planning can save a lot of time.
Sources: Municipality of Panama, Telemetro, I Go Panama, Panama’s official 2026 holiday calendar, U.S. State Department, and Panama Fire Department. Information checked November 2, 2026. Hours and local instructions can change.