Panama through its people: local markets, gastronomy and traditions

Local markets are the starting point for discovering this authenticity. At the Seafood Market in Panama City, visitors enjoy freshly prepared ceviche by the sea, while in inland markets, the aromas of coffee, tropical fruits, and home-cooked dishes invite you to experience the daily life of Panamanians.

Panamanian cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, combining indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish influences. From a breakfast of pastries and tortillas with white cheese to a lunch of sancocho—the traditional national soup—or fried fish with plantains on the beach, each dish is a taste of history, tradition, and flavor. In fondas, small local restaurants, travelers can experience the country's most authentic side.

Art and creativity are also expressed in Panamanian handicrafts. In communities like Guna Yala, women create colorful molas, handwoven textiles that represent their worldview and cultural pride. In crafting fine basketry, the Emberá-Wounaan use fibers from local palms, such as the "chunga" palm, and natural dyes, or they are carved from precious woods or hard seeds like tagua. In the interior of the country, artisans create the painted hat, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a symbol of national identity. These are just some of the crafts that make up Panama's artisanal landscape.

No cultural display is complete without mentioning the national dress: the Pollera. Considered one of the most beautiful traditional dresses in the world, the Pollera is a jewel of tradition, handcrafted over months, embroidered with lace, and adorned with tembleques—ornaments of pearls and flowers worn in the hair. Every year, during national holidays and celebrations like the Parade of a Thousand Polleras held in Las Tablas in January, this attire takes center stage in parades, music, and national pride.

In Panama, traditions are not mere memories of the past, but living celebrations. From the Congo dances on the Caribbean Coast to the drums of Los Santos or the patron saint festivals in the inland towns, the country vibrates with the sound of its people, their faith, and their joy.

Every month, Panamanian festivals offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its traditions, gastronomy, and the joy of its people, experiencing firsthand the country's rich culture.

If you want to discover the essence of Panama, here are some of the most representative celebrations throughout the year:

January: Flower and Coffee Fair (Boquete) – An event full of color, flower gardens, and the best high-altitude coffee.

February: Panama Carnival – One of the biggest celebrations in the country, with parades, troupes, and music throughout the territory.

March/April: Holy Week – Religious celebrations with traditional processions in different regions.

April: Manito Ocueño Festival (Ocú) – A tribute to rural customs and the folklore of the interior.

July: National Pollera Fair (Las Tablas) – Dedicated to the national dress, where the Pollera Queen is chosen.

August: Loose Bull Festival (Los Santos) – A popular celebration full of music and rural traditions.

September: Black Christ Festival (Portobelo) – Pilgrimage and religious fervor in the province of Colón.

November: National Holidays – A month of historical commemorations, parades, and national pride.

December: Mejorana Festival (Guararé) – A celebration of folklore, traditional music, and dances.

These festivities, along with the local cuisine—from sancocho and tamales to coconut rice and fresh seafood from the Pacific and Caribbean—allow you to discover an authentic, hospitable, and vibrant country.

Source: PROMTUR Panama/Visit Panama.