Here's a copy of a nice summary from Casa Solution, a Boquete real estate company. (I have no affiliation with Casa Solution, formal or informal, but they practice good marketing by providing a free local map and public "service" information such as the below listing.)
Some expats see these celebrations as as a nuisance, but personally, I hope to attend a few and help celebrate with the friendly and happy people of this beautiful and hospitable country. Many of us have to listen to the noisy drum practice nearly every day, but practice will soon be finished,and those kids will be able to dress up and show their stuff in the parades soon.
So plan ahead, don't get caught in the traffic and crowds if you have things to do, and enjoy the culture of Panama.
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Starting in the first week of November, we enter holiday season in Boquete and that means lots of parades and fairs from now through April of next year.
November is about independence and patriotism. The streets of Boquete swell with cheerful people as proud citizens and students march, dance and play instruments in impressive formations. Blue text indicates a special event in Boquete.
November 3 - Declaration of Independence from Colombia
Parade in Boquete - lots of fun!
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
November 4 - Flag Day
Parade in Boquete - more fun!
Open - Some businesses
Closed - banks & government
November 5 - Independence from Colombia - Commemorating events in Colon
No parade in Boquete today - a great day to relax
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
November 10 - Declaration of Independence from Spain
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
November 28 - Independence from Spain
It is expected that businesses will be open on Nov. 28th and closed in celebration on Dec. 1st.
November 30 - A Huge Parade in Boquete - it is still being decided if the big parade will take place Nov. 28th or Nov. 30th
December 1 - Celebration Day for Independence from Spain
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
December 8 - Mother's Day in Panama
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
December 25 - Christmas Day
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
There will be a Nighttime Parade and Fireworks - very different and fun - it is still being decided which evening it will take place. It will be one night between Dec. 19 and Dec. 25.
January 1 - New Year's Day
Closed - banks, government, & most businesses
There are many other holidays in early 2015 including Carnaval March 14 -18, 2015 but of special note for Boquete are the two major festivals of the year:
January 9 - January 18, 2015 - Fair of Flowers and Coffee - also known as The Flower and Coffee Festival
March 26 – April 5, 2015 - Orchid Expo - also known as The Orchid Festival
Link to a list of local B&B,s, hotels and other loddging in Boquete
Replies
No one has said when the parades are scheduled to start.
Check your dates David. The January faire always starts on a Friday and goes through the following weekend. This year it's the 8th
he posted this last year.
We celebrate independence from Columbia on two separate days and Spain also on two separate days?
Did anybody notice that this is last year's schedule?
Even from afar, you watch over us.
What time do the parades start on the 3rd and 4th?
Usually 1 1/2 hours after it is planned!
Muchas Gracias, David,
Every year this question of "When Is.....'?? comes up.
I have copied and pasted this post from you to a word doc.
Such a good reference for ALL of us who are trying to plan Personal and Volunteer Events.
Yes, Enjoy!