Semana Santa is technically supposed to be used to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death, and although attendance at churches is way up this week in Panama, “Holy Week” is generally marked by partying and drinking.
Most Panamanians either head to the interior, where they have family and celebrate their vacations together, or they head to the beach, where the
more hard-core partying is taking place. Add to this the influx of spring breakers who come down looking for a good time, and you’ll understand why most expats living here avoid the beach Easter weekend.
Panama City, on the other hand, transforms into a sleepy town, with very few people in it. The lack of traffic and late night parties (few and far between during Holy Week) make it ideal for those who just want a little pure relaxation.
One interesting thing to note; starting on Thursday, April 9th, and running through until Easter Sunday, it is technically against the law to sell or consume alcohol. Fat chance of that law getting followed.
Holy Week might not be about Jesus for many Panamanians, but it is about family for most, which makes this time of year a very busy one for all of us, including the Panama Gringo.
