Panama Pride will hold its annual march this Saturday, June 27, in the historic Casco Viejo district of Panama City. The event marks the organization’s tenth anniversary celebration. Organizers confirmed the schedule during a press briefing this week.
The march, titled “We Are All Panama,” will begin at 2:00 p.m. from Sur Park on Calle 13 in the old quarter. Participants will walk to the Plaza V Centenario, where a public festival will follow. Ten individuals designated as standard-bearers will receive formal recognition during the event.
Street Closures and Traffic Impact Expected
Organizers warned that the march will occupy several roads in the Casco Viejo area throughout the afternoon. Drivers and residents should prepare for temporary closures and traffic restrictions. The route runs through narrow colonial streets that already experience congestion on weekends.
Police will manage intersections along the parade path. Authorities recommend using alternate routes between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The Casco Antiguo neighborhood typically sees heavy pedestrian traffic during major events.
Free Entry and Festival Schedule
Entry to both the march and the festival remains free of charge. No tickets or registration are required. The Pride Village festival will open at 4:00 p.m. at Plaza V Centenario, featuring live music, food vendors, and community booths.
Panama Pride representatives said this edition carries special significance. “We are celebrating a decade of visibility and unity in Panama,” said Maria Castillo, the organization’s communications director. “The march has grown every year since we started. We expect thousands of participants this Saturday.” [Translated from Spanish]
“The Casco Viejo location represents our roots. This historic district has been our home since the very first Panama Pride march in 2016. Returning here for our tenth anniversary feels like coming full circle.” [Translated from Spanish]
Community Participation and Safety Measures
The march welcomes everyone, organizers emphasized. Families, allies, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are all encouraged to attend. Medical stations will be positioned along the route. Volunteers will distribute water at multiple points during the walk.
Panama Pride operates as a non-profit organization. The group works year-round on advocacy, education, and community building. Saturday’s event represents their largest annual gathering.
Weather forecasts show partly cloudy skies with a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers. Organizers recommend bringing umbrellas and sunscreen. The march proceeds rain or shine.
Parking remains extremely limited in Casco Viejo. Public transportation or ride-sharing services offer the best options. The nearest metro station, Iglesia del Carmen, sits approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
Panama City’s mayor’s office granted permits for the event earlier this month. City officials cited the march’s positive impact on local tourism and commerce. Restaurants and shops in Casco Viejo typically see increased business during major events.
Last year’s Pride march drew an estimated 8,000 participants. Organizers anticipate higher numbers this year due to the anniversary milestone. The event has grown steadily since its inception in 2016, when just a few hundred people attended.
Saturday’s festival will continue until 9:00 p.m. Local musicians and DJs will perform throughout the evening. Food trucks will offer a variety of cuisines. Community organizations will provide information about their services and programs.
Panama Pride confirmed that security personnel will monitor both the march and the festival. A lost-child station will operate near the main stage. First aid responders will remain on site until the event concludes.