Easter in Panama. What happens, does evreything shut down ?

Question

Hi all. When is easter in Panama ? Is it true no alchol is sold ? No loud music. I also read that people go to the beach to party instead. Where exactly do they go ? Is it an overnight thing ? When and where are the most interesting things happeing in Panama in easter ? Thanks for any help you can offer me.

Answer 1

Easter is the same as the United States one week after Palm Sunday and 40 days after ash Wednesday.  There is no Loud music because the community is used to having these days as religious days and the kind of show respect to that, but you will find a few that will not. Most of the businesses close from Thursday although some Close from Wednesday and Even the whole week...Some Businesses stay open...A lot of the businessess are owned by Jewish and that is why they stay open..they do respect the religious Holidays and allow their workers to celebrate their religious holidays.    Alcohol is not sold until Sunday Midnight... As any other Holyday many Panamanians go to the beach and spend their free time there (I mean beaches is what we have the most)  There are a lot of religious services going on (Procesions, and Catholic Mass among other services)   Egg hunts do occur but it is just starting to become popular.  Schools are Close From Thursday I believe...But I would say that people mainly stay at home and relax or go to the beach(or any other place) and relax.  If you are not to religious and want to have some fun during these ddays I will totally go to the Beach.

Answer 2

Easter in Panama is celebrated the same as it is in the United states

Answer 3

For practical purposes, Eastern "starts" on Thursday at noon when most offices close businesses.  Alcohol is not sold since that point up to Sunday 12:00 am but people get their supplies before (count on that).   Legally, no parties or loud music should be played but it does happen.  Most of the people take advantage of the long weekend and go to the beaches and visit relatives in the country side.  The religious side is fading, but it's that your priority churches program many activities and related celebrations.

Answer 4

Well not everything shuts down.  As the previous user mentioned on Good Thursday (April 5th.) at noon almost all public offices close, and they don't reopen until next Monday.

It's also true that no drinking alcohol is sold from Good Thursday at noon until Saturday.  Usually bars and night clubs don't open since they can't sell booze.

As for loud music, well that's kind BS.  If you're on the beach hardly anyone complains about having loud music.  Also if you're driving down the highway you won't get pulled over if you're listening to heavy metal.  Just don't play loud music next to a church or next to a procession if you run into one, or if you have a lousy neighbor.

The beach is the place to spend Easter in Panama.  Be sure to stock up in booze as you can't buy booze on Good Thursday and Good Friday.  The best thing is to get a group of friends and try to rent a house (if you can still find one available).  Try to stay around Coronado, as that is where most of the action will be.  Also you could consider going to one of the all inclusive hotels like Decameron or Playa Blanca.  I bet they don't enforce the no alcohol rule, as they depend on that, and most of the persons staying there are tourists.  Try to leave on Thursday and get back to Panama City Sunday afternoon, or Monday morning if you don't have to work.

Hope that helps and have fun!!!!