Semana Santa 2019 in Coronado Panama

Sunday April 14th, Palm Sunday, brought hundreds of Catholics together in churches across Panama for the start of Holy Week in the country.

Sunday churches celebrated with prayer and the creation of crosses made from palm leaves. The Monseñor and Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulluoa, presided over the procession and the mass in the Old Town in Panama City. 

For those not familiar with Semana Santa, or in English “Holy Week” it is the week leading up to Easter. This year the dates for Semana Santa are as follows: 

Palm Sunday April 14th 2019

Holy Monday April 15th 2019

Holy Tuesday April 16th 2019 

Holy Wednesday April 17th 2019 

Holy Thursday April 18th 2019 

Holy Friday April 19th 2019 

Holy Saturday April 20th 2019 

If your spending time in Coronado, Panama right now you have likely noticed an increase of people in the area. The Pacific Beaches of Panama are one of the most popular place to visit during Semana Santa and Easter weekend in Panama. Coronado will be bustling with activity, as will the surrounding beach communities, expect heavy traffic and empty shelves at the grocery stores!

While many will head to the beach before Good Friday, Panamanians tell a popular myth that if you go to the beach on Good Friday, you might be turned into a sardine!

Reenactments are common in towns throughout the interior, you might even find some in the towns of Chame and Bejuco, one of the most visited passion plays in Panama takes place in the town of Pesé, Herrera. 

Throughout Panama there is no alcohol is sold on Good Friday. Government offices and banks are also closed on Good Friday. 

If you are in Panama City and would like to attend mass here are the Mass time for Cathedral Basilica Santa María la Antigua.

Holy Tuesday: April 16, Chrism Mass at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Holy Thursday: April 18, Celebration of the Lord’s Supper at 5:00 in the afternoon.

Good Friday: April 19, Celebration, passion and death of the Lord at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Holy Saturday: April 20, Solemn Easter Vigil at 6:00 in the afternoon.

Easter Sunday: April 21, Mass at 12:00 noon