Countdown to Holy Week March 27 to April 5 of 2026: Religious Brotherhoods and Pilgrims Await

2026-03-25 - 19:34

Panama City, Panama: Just hours before the formal start of Holy Week, Panama’s Old Town is ready to welcome thousands of pilgrims and visitors for one of the country’s most emblematic religious celebrations. During a press conference this Wednesday, March 25, Ricardo Gago pictured below, from Friends of the Churches of the Old Town, highlighted the historical and spiritual value of this tradition. “Once again, Holy Week is one of Panama’s living and authentic traditions,” he stated. He added that “at every step history and the present intertwine, families, brotherhoods and young people who give life to the tradition that grows and strengthens with time.” As a new feature, he announced the addition of two new processional floats donated by Panamanian families: ‘Christ Crucified’ and the ‘Last Supper’, which “enrich the religious heritage and reflect the people’s commitment to their traditions.” From Empty Streets to Crowds For his part, Roberto Rollón, the older brother, highlighted the growth of this celebration in the last decade. “Today, we are more than 5,000 brothers representing the brotherhoods; today, we are more than 300,000 visitors who visit Holy Week from Good Friday to Easter Sunday,” he said. He recalled that 10 years ago, when the processions began in the Old Town, there was only one platform built by a Panamanian carpenter, six bearers and about 80 people participating, walking through “half empty” streets. Schedule of Celebrations The festivities will begin on Good Friday (March 27), with the participation of the Brotherhood of Christ the Redeemer and three floats: Our Lady of Sorrows, the Crucified Christ, and the Descent from the Cross. Our Lady of Sorrows will be accompanied by 300 women. On Palm Sunday (March 29), the Borriquita brotherhood will depart at 5:00 pm from the church of La Merced. On Holy Tuesday (March 31) the procession of Christ of the Good Death will take place, with the participation of security forces. On Holy Wednesday (April 1), the Brotherhood of Cristo Pobre will parade through the streets with the oldest carving in the Old Town. Holy Thursday (April 2) will be marked by the traditional tour of the seven churches, in addition to two processions: the procession of the Last Supper —carried by 140 people— and, at midnight, the procession of Jesus of Nazareth. On Good Friday (April 3), the processions of La Piedad and the Recumbent Christ will take place. Finally, on Easter Sunday (April 5th) the procession of the Virgin of Joy and the Risen Christ will be held at 9:00 am Security, Tourism and Culture The administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, Gloria De León, highlighted the impact of this celebration on the country. “When tourism is combined with this religious activity, history, faith, and culture come together in one of Panama’s most emblematic sites,” he noted, while indicating that they are preparing to consolidate this event as a competitive “export product ” internationally. Regarding security, the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, Luis Felipe Icaza, reported that a comprehensive operation has been planned with all agencies during the holy days. The Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa pictured above, invited the faithful to experience this celebration with spiritual depth. He urged Panamanians to participate “not only as a tradition, but as a mystery that they are called to experience from within.” For her part, the Minister of Culture, Maruja Herrera pictured below, emphasized that this tradition “is alive in the faith of the Panamanian people” and represents a reflection of their cultural identity. Logistics and Projection Authorities hope to surpass this year the more than 300,000 people who have visited the Old Town in previous celebrations. To facilitate mobility, MiBus will enable an internal route from the 5 de Mayo sector, while 11 nearby parking lots will be available, whose location will be published on the Old Town Churches page. In addition, the main celebrations and processions will be broadcast nationwide. According to data from the Tourism Authority, in 2025 Holy Week reached a hotel occupancy of 90% in the Old Town, which reinforces its importance as a cultural and economic engine.