The holiday season is in full swing all over the world, and Panama is no exception. And while some holiday traditions may be celebrated a bit differently, New Year’s is one that’s pretty similar to North America. It’s the beginning of the high season for tourism, the weather’s getting warmer and dryer, and the bars, beaches, and restaurants are full from coast to coast. Whether it’s your first time in Panama, or you’re a seasoned expat, there’s something for everyone, even those of you who don’t like to go out. Here are a few New Year’s tips to give you an idea of what to expect, and how to celebrate this season.
Dress for success, and prepare for a long night out on the town
Panamanians love a good party, and New Year’s is probably one of the biggest party nights of the year, outside of Carnaval. The main difference between New Year’s Eve parties and other Panamanian celebrations is that they tend to be a bit more formal. Much like in the US, people like to dress up and attend reservation-only parties in hotels, discos, and restaurants. Expect to pay a steep entrance fee to attend these types of events, with covers ranging from $75-$150 per person. Most parties, whether at a hotel, disco, or restaurant include some sort of open bar promotion included in the cover charge as well as food. Needless to say, they will all have a dress code, so check ahead when you make your reservations.
The sky’s the limit for local fireworks
Fireworks are a big tradition for New Year’s all around the world, but in Panama they take it to the next level. While there are some organized fireworks shows throughout the city and interior, most celebratory fireworks come from individuals out on the street or from the rooftops in their neighborhoods. The noise can be alarming if you’re not used to it, and will go on for hours before, and after midnight. If you aren’t bothered by the noise, it can be quite a spectacle, and it illuminates the skyline with glowing bright colors for the whole night. If you have pets, make sure they’re indoors well beforehand, and make sure your windows are closed, as there are no safety regulations to organize the launching of them.
Panama New Year’s party goes all night
New Year’s in Panama can go pretty late, as expected, and because of this the government grants special permission for the sale of alcoholic beverages all night on January 1st. Typically, liquor sales must halt at 3am, but for this night, there’s no limit. Bars, clubs, casinos, and even some restaurants keep their parties going until around 6am, some even later. It’s also customary to provide Sancocho, a local Chicken stew, to your party guests at the end of the night to help get some energy back and sober up from a long party.
We recommend using a taxi for New Year’s parties, and avoid driving if possible. There are many great services such as Uber and TuChofer that can help you access rides via your smartphone, and they usually have promotions running for holidays, so check in advance to see if there are any special fares.
Have fun, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
