The Municipality of Panama City has issued a detailed set of rules for its upcoming “City of the Stars” Christmas parade. The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, starting at 3:00 p.m. along a route from Nicanor de Obarrio Avenue to 76th Street in the San Francisco district.
Mayor Mayer Mizrachi Matalon signed the regulatory decree on November 25. Officials designed the measures to ensure public order and safety for what they anticipate will be a large family event. The rules cover everything from parking bans to strict alcohol consumption limits along the parade corridor.
Major Road Closures and Parking Bans
Traffic restrictions will be extensive and long-lasting. According to the decree, parking and vehicle circulation on the official parade route will be prohibited starting at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
These restrictions will remain in effect until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15. The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) will coordinate with municipal authorities to enforce the closures. Vehicles parked along the route during the restricted period will be towed at the owner’s expense.
“These measures seek to guarantee that the parade is a safe, family-friendly, and orderly event for everyone,” the municipality stated in the official document. [Translated from Spanish]
The full text of Mayoral Decree No. 14 was published in the nation’s Official Gazette (Panama) on November 25, 2025. This publication gives the regulations the full force of law.
Strict Alcohol and Safety Prohibitions
A central focus of the new rules is controlling alcohol consumption in public areas. The decree outright bans the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the parade route and in surrounding areas. Only licensed commercial establishments located within the zone are exempt, and they must confine drinking to inside their premises.
Violators face severe penalties. Fines for public drinking or unauthorized sales range from $500 to $1,000. Authorities will also confiscate any alcoholic beverages.
The list of prohibited items and actions is comprehensive for spectator safety. People cannot bring coolers, glass containers, or any vessels containing alcohol. The use of fireworks or pyrotechnics along the route is forbidden.
Other bans target potential disruptions or hazards. The rules prohibit portable sound systems that could interfere with the parade, unauthorized barricades, and unlicensed street vending. Tampering with fire hydrants for recreational purposes is also illegal.
After 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event, attendees cannot wear masks, face paint, or wigs that obscure identification. Costumes that mimic official security force uniforms are prohibited at all times.
Enforcement and Business Responsibilities
Municipal inspectors, municipal police, and compliance judges will monitor the event. They have authority to request support from National Police units if needed. Their mandate includes ensuring businesses and event organizers follow specific guidelines.
Commercial establishments must adhere to permitted capacity limits. They are required to keep emergency exits clear and maintain proper sanitary and safety conditions throughout the event. Cooperation with municipal and health authorities is mandatory.
Organizers bear similar responsibilities for any designated areas under their control. The city’s framework places a shared duty on both property owners and event coordinators to uphold public safety standards.
The “City of the Stars” parade represents a major year-end celebration for the capital. By enacting these regulations well in advance, Panama City officials aim to set clear expectations. Their goal is a festive atmosphere that prioritizes security and accessibility for all families attending.