The Lost Paradise of Panamá

December in Panama is a very active time. It begins with Mother’s Day, December 8th. The Panama school year also ends in December, which coincides with the end of the rainy season and the beginning of less rainy days. Generally, by the middle to end of December, the heavy rains stop, at least on the Pacific side, until about mid-April. This is Panama’s summer where you can enjoy the outdoors more than when there are torrential downpours. There are a lot of colorful decorations in the cities, rural areas, and on the islands. This Christmas season is also the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Panama (December 20th, 1989), to remove General Manuel Noriega from power.

Holiday tree decorated with presents on Isla Taboga

Some homes might have Christmas trees, but in the rural areas you’re more likely to see small, handmade nativity scenes made from dirt, grass, and miniature figurines. Christmas is a time when the large, extended families share their food and drink. There’ll be plenty of traditional food made with rice, chicken, and plantains. There’ll also be a lot to drink. The nance berries are ripe, and many families make a very tasty juice known as chicha de nance. Another drink, Seco Herrerano, is clear liquor made from sugarcane. Locals might ask the bartender for nueve letras, referring to the nine letters that spell Herrerano.

Christmas in San Miguelito

While traveling in Panama you’ll see life-sized muñecas (dolls) outside of homes or on roads. Some are wonderfully creative and you can actually understand who the effigy represents. Typically, they are well- known people such as politicians. On New Year’s Eve, along with fireworks and drinking, the muñecas are burned, representing the end of the previous year.

After the New Year celebrations finish, Panamanians begin to focus on carnaval, which begins the weekend before Ash Wednesday, and as such, the date changes from calendar year-to-year.

¡Feliz Navidad! While in Panama, have a SAFE and Happy Holiday.