Panama’s 2026 holiday calendar is nearing its final stretch, with November and December bringing a series of national commemorations that will affect work schedules across the country. The Ministry of Labor has outlined which dates carry mandatory rest obligations and how Sunday holidays shift to Mondays under current labor law.
The remaining Panama holidays 2026 include five dates in November and three in December, several tied to the country’s independence history. Workers should note that December 20 falls on a Sunday this year, triggering a special provision that moves the day off to Monday, December 21.
November Patriotic Dates and Historical Commemorations
November remains the busiest month for national holidays in Panama. The calendar begins with November 3, marking the Separation of Panama from Colombia. Two days later, November 5 commemorates the Consolidation of the Separation, a date connected to historical events in the city of Colón.
Mid-month brings November 10, known as the Grito de Independencia de la Villa de Los Santos, a key precursor to independence. The month concludes with November 28, which marks Panama’s Independence from Spain. These dates are classified as mandatory rest days for workers across the country.
Calendario de feriados en Panamá 2026: todos los días festivos y no laborables https://t.co/mL0qfhMKEp
— Telemetro (@Telemetro) October 26, 2026
December Holidays and the Sunday Transfer Rule
December features three significant dates on the Panama holidays 2026 calendar. December 8 is Mother’s Day, a widely observed celebration. December 20 marks the National Day of Mourning, commemorating the U.S. invasion of Panama. December 25 is Christmas Day.
Because December 20 lands on a Sunday in 2026, the mandatory rest day transfers to Monday, December 21. This rule applies to national holidays and days of mourning specified in Panamanian labor legislation. The transfer does not apply to all holidays, only those where the law explicitly provides for Monday observance when the date falls on Sunday.
Labor Law and Overtime Pay Requirements
When employees must work on a mandatory rest day, employers are required to apply salary surcharges established in the Labor Code. These additional payments depend on the conditions of service and the specific regulations governing holiday work.
The legal framework ensures that workers receive compensation beyond their standard wages when their duties require them to be on the job during national holidays. Companies that fail to comply with these provisions face penalties under Panamanian labor law.
For workers planning ahead, the final two months of 2026 offer eight total days off, with the Monday transfer for December 20 creating an extended weekend before Christmas. Employers and employees alike are advised to review the official calendar to ensure compliance with rest day obligations and proper wage calculations for any holiday work performed.