Festivals: Independence day-November 3rd. Old Panama City Day-On this day, Panamanians go to Casco Viejo, the old city, to honor and pay homage to the city. This is a day to thank the old city for giving way to the new city that the Panamanians live in today. It also gave the country a rich natural and historical heritage. This day falls in the month of August. Panama carnival-Officially the festival lasts for 4 days. However, preparations for the festivities start long before them. It is a riot of colors with bright parades, dances, street parties, musical galas and fireworks lighting up the city. The carnival can fall either in February or March depending on the Christian calendar. Black Christ festival-This is an annual event and is held in the neighboring village of Portobelo. There were many odd and unusual events that led the Black Christ statue to adopt the village as its home. The statue is paraded through the streets in honor of these events. This event is held in the month of October.
