The Carnival festival in Panama dates back to 1910, when José Agustín Arango, mayor of Panama City, made the festival official and the first queen, Manuelita Vallarino, was crowned. These Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama were much more elegant than the carnivals of today, although the traditions that date back to those times are maintained.
The queens of the Panama Carnival came from wealthy families, since the coronation events and ceremonies had to be paid for. Afterwards they went out to dance at the popular awnings including El Tambor de la Alegría. The Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama of yesteryear already included the famous mojaderas, which are now known as “culecos”. The “comparsas” threw wine, food, flour, eggs and dyes that had to be washed.
Another of the traditional elements of the Panama Carnival are the comparsas, which are musical groups that participate in the parades. There were also floats, including some from companies and government institutions such as the Panama Canal. Traditionally, costumes and ornaments were of high quality and elegant. The style was very different from the current one. The photos of the time were taken by photographer Carlos Endara.
Carnivals Return to the Casco Viejo
As the capital city grew, the Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama stopped taking place in the colonial neighborhood. The interior of the country created a series of destinations to celebrate these holidays. The busiest places are Las Tablas, Penonome, Chitre and Dolega. Other somewhat quieter places to celebrate are Pedasi, Ocu and Aguadulce.
Many people related to the tourism sector had suggested the idea of resurrecting the Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama as a tourism product. The City Carnival has been celebrated in the Cinta Costera in recent years, before it was held in Vía España, but it is a product for local people. The Carnival Board decided to resume the Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama in 2024.
Unfortunately, the decision was announced at the last minute, less than a month before the Carnival dates, and the residents of Casco Viejo rejected the idea due to lack of information. The main concern was the lack of public bathrooms to serve people. After criticism, the itinerary of the Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama, organized by the Carnival Board, Ministry of Culture and the Panama Tourism Authority, was changed so that cultural and folkloric activities would take place from 4 to 7 p.m.
We hope that the 2025 version of the Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama will be organized in time so that an annual tourism product can be generated. The culecos activities and artistic presentations will continue to be in the Cinta Costera.
Booking.comItinerary of Carnivals in Casco Viejo Panama 2024
Saturday February 10
International Chinese New Year Parade with a flag bearer from the Chinese Community of Panama
Route: leaving Plaza Herrera to Central Avenue towards the Cathedral Park.
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Artistic Stage
Location: Cathedral Square
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Agenda:
- Presentation of the 4 Carnival queens
- Cultural presentations from guest countries
- Presentations of white polleras (national dress)
- Promotional tourism videos with content from Casco Viejo and nationwide
- Carnival Murga (music)
Sunday February 11
Pollera Day Parade
Route: leaving Plaza Herrera to Central Avenue towards the Cathedral Park.
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Artistic Stage
Location: Cathedral Square
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Agenda:
- Presentation of the 4 Carnival queens
- Cultural and folkloric presentations
- Artistic presentations
- Promotional tourism videos with content from Casco Viejo and nationwide
- Carnival Murga (music) and comparsas
Monday February 12
Grand Masquerade Parade with comparsa participation in the parade and carnival queens
Activities in hotels and restaurants
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Artistic Stage
Location: Cathedral Square
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Agenda:
- Cultural presentations and mirror devils
- Artistic presentations
- Promotional tourism videos with content from Casco Viejo and nationwide
- Carnival Murga (music) and comparsas