I will be travelling south down Central America early next year and have heard that Panamanian Carnaval is on February 21-24 in 2009.

The most convenient dates would see me leaving the Americas about three weeks before Carnaval, so whilst I *can* shift things around I would be very unhappy to do so and then find it disappointing. (It is a lot more convenient for me to be home at the beginning of February.)

I don't seem to be able to find any information online about Carnaval aside from logistics, so I was wondering if anybody had been, and if they could give me their review of it. Is it something so outstanding that I should regret leaving Central America without seeing it, and definitely rearrange my dates to be there in late February, or is it the kind of thing that's good to see if you're there but no big loss otherwise??

Thanks!!

I grew up in Panama and enjoy returning. However, when I plan a trip I take into account the Carnaval dates so that I can avoid it.

i just will answer you with this:THE ONLY ONE THING PANAMENIANS TAKE IN SERIOUS IS:the carnivals

Is the Panama Carnival in fact February 21-24 in 2009? Because I want to go then. COPA airlines is cheap out of Dulles VA. It's best to go to the parades in the interior of the country, have a place to stay, & of course speak spanish. Remain as always cautious of people who want to rob you - theft is mod-high for foreigners. But have a good time.

I'm going to be in Panama during Carnaval... So for me, it's not a question of whether it's worth it or not, but how to make the most of it.

If it's a major holiday then I want to see what it's all about. Does anyone have info on activities and special events for Carnaval (most likely I'll be in PC)?

cmcfong - May I ask what you try to avoid? Is it just more crowded? Is there heavy partying atmosphere (college spring break like)?

I've been to Times Square NYC on New Year's Eve and I'm willing to do/experience some things at least once in my life, so please let me know what should or should not be on my Carnaval "to do" list. Thanks!

Hamlet, it is very crowded. Many of the participants are very drunk. I found it more fun to be outside of Panama City during Carnaval.

Most Panamanians that can affoard to get out of the city. I was there 2 years in a row. It is not like the carnival in Brazil if that is what you are thinking. It is a good experience but I would not go to Panama for that, Panama city is an amazing city and I think it would be better to see outside of Carnival when the streets are jam packed and dirty. If you can go down to the fishing docks and see if you can get a boat to take you on the canals. It should be super cheap, less than $20 for a whole or half day and you can fish with them.

Its not anything like Times sq on NYE, if you can get to the main concnert stage you might get to see the famous Sammy y Sandra and hear some traditional music. Try to find out when the main concerts are. Make sure you check out casco viejo and some of the markets around there. Its a great time. If you are going to the mountains, the area around Volcan Baru is breath taking and well worth a trip. Also, isla grande is a nice trip from the city if you can get away.