As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, centuries-old traditions are combined with contemporary festivities in Panama.

On the serene beaches of Coronado, many gather for an unforgettable way to welcome the new year.

On Wednesday, December 31st, from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., there will be live music and a buffet dinner to bring in the new year at the Coronado Golf & Country Club. The annual event is for members and their guests and is offered at the cost of $100/pp +ITBMS. 

Events are open to members and their guests. For information about an upcoming event or to make a reservation, call 6330-9516. For more information on becoming a member of the Coronado Golf & Country Club, WhatsApp or call (507) 6612-6764

New Year’s in Panama represents far more than just a calendar change—it’s a celebration of community and culture! From the spectacular fireworks that light up Coronado’s beaches to the intimate family gatherings where traditional foods are shared, here are some of the most popular ways to bring in the New Year in Panama! 

Fireworks Light Up Panama’s Sky 

When it comes to New Year fireworks in Panama, the country doesn’t hold back. The tradition of illuminating the night sky with brilliant displays symbolizes the burning away of the old year’s troubles and welcoming new beginnings with light and joy.

In Coronado, Panama, this tradition takes on a particularly magical quality. The beachfront location provides the perfect backdrop for spectacular pyrotechnic displays that reflect off the Pacific Ocean. 

The Coronado New Year festivities typically feature multiple fireworks shows throughout the evening, with the grand finale occurring precisely at midnight. These displays are best views from the rooftops of the beachfront condos, The Coronado Bay and Coronado Country Club. 

The Beloved Muñeco Tradition

One of the most distinctive Panamanian New Year customs, specifically in the area of Chame, is the creation and burning of muñecos—life-sized dolls that represent the outgoing year. This tradition, which has evolved over generations, serves both as entertainment and as a symbolic cleansing ritual that helps communities process the year’s challenges and disappointments.

In Coronado, families and local businesses participate enthusiastically in this tradition. The process begins weeks before New Year’s Eve, with community members gathering to create elaborate muñecos that often represent public figures, fictional characters, or abstract concepts like "bad luck" or "economic hardship."

Culinary Celebrations

Panama’s New Year food traditions represent a delicious fusion that tells the story of the country’s rich cultural heritage. These culinary celebrations bring people together to cook and enjoy meals together, preserving both the traditional recipes and what they represent. 

Traditional staples for New Year’s in Panama include Arroz con Guandú (rice with pigeon peas) and Tamales (moist corn dough with chicken/pork). 

Another important item on the New Year’s spread is grapes! A good luck symbol, 12 grapes, will be eaten leading up to the strike of midnight. Fruits and nuts are all in abundance. 

Music and Community Gatherings

No discussion of New Year’s in Panama would be complete without exploring the vibrant musical traditions that accompany these celebrations. In Coronado, live music performances are integral to New Year celebrations, with local venues hosting everything from traditional folkloric presentations to modern dance parties. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of Panamanian New Year traditions is how they bring communities together, creating social bonds that last throughout the year. These gatherings aren’t just parties—they’re investments in what the New Year will bring. 

In Coronado, community New Year gatherings take many forms, from intimate neighborhood parties to large-scale public celebrations. The Coronado Golf & Country Club, for example, will host an elegant champagne-style celebration that brings together residents and their guests in a sophisticated setting with live music, dancing, and a buffet dinner. 

Conclusion

 The beauty of celebrating New Year’s in Panama lies in both keeping traditions alive and creating new ones! Ready to experience the magic of New Year’s in Panama for yourself?

Consider joining the celebrations in Coronado, where tradition meets luxury in an unforgettable celebration that continues local traditions while creating new memories. 

Learn more about becoming a member of the Coronado Golf & Country Club, call (507) 6612-6764