Panama through its people: local markets, gastronomy and traditions

In Panama, the essence of the destination lies in its people. Every smile, every story, and every custom reveals the cultural richness that makes this country an unforgettable place for those seeking authentic experiences.

Local markets are the starting point for discovering this authenticity. At the Seafood Market in Panama City, visitors savor freshly prepared ceviches overlooking the sea; while in the inland markets, the aromas of coffee, tropical fruits, and homemade dishes invite you to experience the daily life of Panamanians.

Panamanian cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, combining indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish influences. From breakfast with hojaldres and tortilla with white cheese to lunch with sancocho – the traditional national soup – or fried fish with patacones by the sea, each dish tells a story of tradition and flavor. In fondas, small local restaurants, travelers find the most genuine expression of Panamanian cuisine.

Art and creativity are also evident in the country's handicrafts. In communities like Guna Yala, women craft colorful molas, handmade fabrics that represent their worldview and cultural pride. The Emberá-Wounaan people produce fine baskets from local palm fibers, such as the "chunga," using natural dyes, as well as carvings in precious wood and hard seeds like the "tagua." In the interior of the country, artisans create the painted sombrero, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO – a symbol of national identity. These and other works make up the Panamanian artisan landscape.

No cultural expression is complete without mentioning the national costume: the pollera. Considered one of the most beautiful traditional garments in the world, it is a jewel of Panamanian culture, handmade over months, adorned with lace and accompanied by tembleques — pearl and flower ornaments worn in the hair. Every year, during national holidays and events such as the Parade of a Thousand Polleras, held in Las Tablas in January, the costume takes to the streets in parades filled with music, dance, and national pride.

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

Each month, Panamanian festivals invite visitors to immerse themselves in their traditions, gastronomy, and local hospitality, experiencing the country's rich culture firsthand.

If you want to experience 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 colors, blooming gardens, and the best high-altitude coffee.

February: Panama Carnival – One of the biggest festivals in the country, with parades, troupes, and lots of music.

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

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

July: National Pollera Fair (Las Tablas) – Dedicated to the traditional national costume, with the election of the Pollera Queen.

August: Festival del Toro Suelto (Los Santos) – A popular celebration full of music and peasant traditions.

September: Festival del Cristo Negro (Portobelo) – Pilgrimage and demonstration of faith in the province of Colón.

November: Fiestas Patrias – Month of historical celebrations, parades, and expressions of national pride.

December: Festival de la Mejorana (Guararé) – Celebration of folklore, traditional music and dances.

These festivities, combined with the local cuisine – from sancocho and tamales to coconut rice and fresh seafood from the Pacific and the Caribbean – reveal an authentic, welcoming, and vibrant country.

Panama is not only the geographic center of the Americas – it is also the heart of a vibrant cosmopolitan life and a meeting point between ancient cultures. A fusion of modernity and tradition that welcomes visitors with open arms, whether for leisure or business. And it awaits Brazilian travelers with easy access and no visa required.

Source: PROMTUR Panama/Visit Panama.