The Catholic Church is finalizing plans for an International Holy Week celebration based in Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo district. The event, scheduled from March 27 to April 5, will feature activities across more than five historic churches and a special program designed to attract religious tourists from around the world. Organizers view it as a major cultural and tourism promotion for the nation.
A recent fundraising event at the City Hall building supported the logistics. Attendees enjoyed an evening of wine and cheese while contributing to the operational needs of the large-scale celebrations. Preparations have involved extensive coordination among church officials, local authorities, and media partners.
Organizers Emphasize Faith and Community Participation
Fray Javier Mañas explained that significant celebrations require thorough organization and teamwork. He stressed that the core goal is to create a profound experience for both participants and observers.
“Whenever we are going to celebrate in a big way, we meet, we prepare, and we develop all those activities so they reach their desired conclusion,” Mañas said. [Translated from Spanish]
The friar highlighted the spiritual objective of the week. He said the aim is to celebrate Holy Week with intensity, allowing the celebrations to draw people deeper into the mystery of faith centered on Jesus Christ. Participation is expected from diverse groups, including international visitors, local collaborators, and active volunteers.
Mañas provided specific numbers showing strong local engagement. More than 1,000 people have already registered as “Costaleros” for this year’s events. These individuals carry the heavy platforms, known as “andas,” during the processions.
Major Media Partnership to Broadcast Events Worldwide
TVN Media will provide comprehensive live coverage throughout the seven days of Holy Week. The partnership aims to bring the experience to a global audience unable to attend in person. Luis Mouynes, general manager of TVN Media, expressed pride in the growing scale of the event.
“This has really become something much bigger than just the churches. It is a cultural event, a spectacular tourism promotion for Panama,” Mouynes stated. [Translated from Spanish]
The executive revealed the substantial reach of last year’s coverage. Their broadcasts attracted over 1.5 million views on videos and YouTube streams. This year, TVN plans to air live broadcasts of the unique processions with their ornate platforms. Mouynes extended a dual invitation, encouraging both physical attendance and digital viewing.
He specifically invited people to come and experience the events within the Casco Antiguo, Panama. The media coverage will also serve all those who cannot make the journey. The historic district’s security planning for such large events remains a topic of discussion, as highlighted in a recent report on casco antiguo safety protocols.
Schedule and Events Combine Tradition and Tourism
The official chronology runs from Friday of Sorrows on March 27 to Easter Sunday on April 5. During these days, the cobblestone streets of the old city will host liturgical celebrations, cultural manifestations, and solemn processions. The programming blends deep faith, longstanding tradition, and tourism appeal.
The entire schedule will be available for followers through TVN Media’s television channels and digital platforms. This ensures that thousands of people, both local and foreign, can accompany the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus from anywhere. The international scope of the event reflects Panama’s role as a hub, a status also seen in sectors like education with institutions such as santa internacional private schools.
Local businesses and hotels anticipate a significant boost from the influx of visitors. The Catholic Church in Panama continues to play a central role in organizing this key event on the country’s cultural and religious calendar.