How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Panama City
Panama City, like the rest of the Republic of Panama, comes to an almost complete halt during Mardi Gras, which is also called Carnaval. Revelers and tourists from around the globe descend on Panama City and celebrate four days of music, food and culture. Panama City isn't the only place in Panama to celebrate Mardi Gras, however: you can always head to Las Tablas or one of the many cities in the area to enjoy Mardi Gras. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Celebrate Mardi Gras
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Plan your trip to Panama City as early as possible. Millions flock to the city and to the country to celebrate Mardi Gras, and in the weeks leading up to the festival accommodations fill quickly and prices rise sharply.
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Visit one of the many museums in Panama during Mardi Gras. Many historic Mardi Gras costumes, photographs and exhibits are hosted during the festival. Admissions are usually pretty cheap or free.
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Pick up a map and a schedule from your hotel that contains details about prominent Mardi Gras festivities. You'll be able to see parade routes, as well as the locations of popular tourist attractions throughout Panama City.
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Get a place along the parade route as early as possible. Some party-goers arrive at the parade route as much as four hours in advance to ensure they can see the floats and entertainers. Two hours is usually enough, and it gives you plenty of time to eat and drink prior to the start of major festivities.
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Expect to get soaked during Mardi Gras. Trucks with huge hoses and hundreds of gallons of water join the parade and soak all of the revelers as they pass.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring appropriate clothing for the climate of Panama City. Even in the winter months, when Mardi Gras takes place, the temperatures can be above 90 degrees and the humidity can be high even at night.
Take a cruise to Panama City to give yourself ready-made accommodations in the city. It isn't the cheapest option, but it makes staying in the city much easier.
Panama City is one of the safer cities in Central America, but one in which you should nevertheless remain cautious. Travel through the city in a group, especially during busier seasons like Mardi Gras or summertime.
Avoid the Darien Province in southern Panama. Civil unrest and the presence of bandits and Colombian rebels makes this region a very dangerous place, especially for outsiders.
