Although we had been in Panama for a while, 2013 was our first opportunity to celebrate carnival in Panama City. The only thing in America that’s even slightly similar is in New Orleans, where it’s called Mardi Gras. Carnival—or carnaval, as they prefer to spell it—is a mega-day holiday throughout Latin America. Many businesses in Panama shut down for the entire five days leading up to Lent, and they party hearty.
Highlights of Panama Carnival 2013
![Carnival 2013, Panama City, Panama Panama Carnival crowds](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-k4OPTb.jpeg)
The street started filling up with people early in the day.
![Carnival musicians, Panama City, Panama 2013 Musicians performing on stage for Carnival partiers](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-AlQ6PZ.jpeg)
Musicians performing on stage for carnival crowds
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Kuna Yala dancing during Panama Carnival](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-ssATSo.jpeg)
Indigenous Kuna Yala dancing during Panama Carnival
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Face painting at 2013 Panama City carnival](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-ldkoBf.jpeg)
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Selling items at Carnival in Panama City 2013](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-HUvwQW.jpeg)
Lots of things are available for sale while partying … this little boy is helping his parents at their table.
Carnival Parade Floats
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Colorful carnival float in Panama City](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-pWIvuD.jpeg)
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Carnival float in Panama City 2013](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-bKf8mg.jpeg)
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Detail from a carnival float in Panama City, 2013](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-nV4vhU.jpeg)
People dress up for carnival
People dress up for carnival, either in colorful and creative costumes or as the traditional diablos. These devil costumes vary by region, and while they carried (and used) real whips in Bocas, at Panama City’s carnival their whips are mostly just props.
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Posing with a carnival devil in Panama](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-Bph2aV.jpeg)
And then there’s the food …
Besides the soda, water and cerveza, there’s a huge variety of really delicious food. You can eat to your heart’s delight.
![Celebrating Carnival in Panama Locals sell foods all along the street during Carnival](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-mHqXxl.jpeg)
![Raspados for sale at Panama carnival Snow cones for sale from a street vendor during Panama carnival](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/113/1137602/celebrating-carnival-in-panama-L-cFR_JC.jpeg)
More about Carnival in Panama
- Postcard: Proud Big Sister in Panama
- Postcard: A Panama Carnival Devil
- Our Panama Carnival photo gallery has additional shots of the event.