Semana Santa in Panama

There is a myth in Panama that say, “If you go to the beach on Good Friday, you will turn into a sardine.” In colonial times, Myths like these were created to warn against indulging in worldly pleasures during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Children were told, “If you climb a tree, you will turn into a monkey.” Or, “if you swim in the river, you will become a fish.”   In the Roman Catholic faith Semana Santa is a time for remembering the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. While many hold true to this Spanish tradition and their Roman Catholic roots, others head to the beach to spend this week long vacation with family and friends.

In religious communities throughout the interior of Panama, like the town of Pesé in the province of Herrera, Semana Santa traditions hold strong. Colorful processions and vivid reenactments take to the streets, churches and community centers. Theatrical plays, reenacting Christ’s last days, his crucifixion and resurrection, offer a unique opportunity to experience a rooted tradition that has taken place in Panama for hundreds of years.

This year, Semana Santa will begin on April 13 (Palm Sunday) and end on April 20 (Easter Sunday). Expect some businesses to be closed either Wednesday April 16 or Thursday April 17. Good Friday will fall on April 18. Expect sales of alcoholic beverages to be restricted during this time. If you need to get something official done this month start early, most public offices will be closed during Holy Week.