Friday, February 20, 2026.
When Dragons Meet Confetti
This week in Panama, two very different worlds collided in the best possible way.
Carnaval exploded across the country with its music, water, color, and contagious energy, while at the same time, Chinese New Year brought lanterns, dragons, family gatherings, and reflection into the spotlight.
One celebration is loud and spontaneous, and the other is symbolic and deliberate, yet both speak to something deeply human: renewal.
Carnaval is release. It’s the national exhale. A collective moment where people step away from structure, pressure, and routine. It is part of our culture. It’s healthy to celebrate. It’s healthy to laugh.
Chinese New Year, however, is about intention. It marks a reset. It invites us to think about prosperity, discipline, family, and the long arc of the future.
And this year, both happened at once and there’s something powerful about that.
Life is not meant to be lived in permanent restraint, nor is it meant to be spent in constant excess. The art is in balance. Celebration should be enjoyed, not wasted. Energy should be directed, not burned recklessly.
In Panama, Carnaval can sometimes bring out the extremes. People blow off steam. Lines blur. Good judgment occasionally takes a holiday of its own.
But leadership, whether in business, family, or community, doesn’t take a holiday.
Enjoy the music, enjoy the traditions, enjoy the cultural richness that makes Panama unique… Just don’t lose yourself in it.
If you celebrate, celebrate well, if you rest, rest intentionally, and if you reset, do it with purpose.
When dragons dance and confetti falls in the same week, it’s a reminder that strength and joy are not opposites, they are partners. And the most successful people know how to manage both.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
Comic Spotlight: Don’t miss The Mikkelson Files: #1 – The Case of the Missing Remote, featured at the end of this article.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
The Public Ministry Processed More Than One Thousand Cases During Carnival
Carnival festivities concluded this year with a total of 1,023 cases processed nationwide by the Public Ministry. According to the official report covering the period from February 14 to 17, authorities maintained continuous operations to address incidents reported during the four-day holiday.
The highest concentration of complaints was recorded in the capital. The Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office led the list with 215 cases, establishing it as the area with the greatest judicial activity. Meanwhile, the Family Section reported 54 new filings, and the Regional Prosecutor’s Office of San Miguelito handled 52 legal matters.
Outside the capital city, judicial activity was also significant, particularly in provinces with the highest tourist influx:
• Panama Oeste: 163 cases (the highest figure among the provinces).
• Los Santos: 124 cases.
• Chiriquí: 119 cases.
• Coclé: 59 complaints.
Other provinces such as Herrera (47), Colón (37), Veraguas (33), and Bocas del Toro (31) reported moderate figures, while the lowest numbers were recorded in Darién with 4 cases and the comarcas with a combined total of 5. Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office reported the opening of one case file during this period.
In the area of specialized crimes, drug prosecutor’s offices handled 83 proceedings. Procedural efficiency allowed 17 of these cases to result in immediate convictions, primarily related to aggravated possession and international drug trafficking offenses.
Furthermore, regarding common crimes, 51 cases were brought before guarantee judges in various jurisdictions for the validation of arrests and the filing of formal charges.
Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas Reports a $204 Million Reduction in Public Debt
The Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (MEF) reported that Panama executed a comprehensive liability management operation resulting in a net reduction of approximately $204 million in the outstanding public debt balance, as well as a structural decrease of around $30 million in annual interest expenses.
The public tender offer received proposals totaling $8.9 billion, while the new bond issuance registered demand exceeding $13 billion.
As part of the transaction, Panama accepted approximately $2.97 billion in outstanding bonds, prioritizing a structure designed to maximize the reduction of the debt balance and optimize the future maturity profile.
The operation was financed through the issuance of new bonds maturing in 2034 and 2038, with coupons of 5.2% and 5.6%, respectively, incorporating amortization features that contribute to a more orderly and sustainable management of the State’s financial obligations.
Panama Projects 3.1 Million Visitors in 2026 Driven by Meetings Tourism
This economic momentum is further strengthened by the profile of meetings visitors, whose average daily spending stands at $455, a figure that distributes benefits across the entire tourism value chain.
Under the global vision of becoming a benchmark destination for meetings tourism, Panama is implementing a strategy aimed at reaching a historic figure of 3.1 million visitors in 2026, according to estimates from Fondo de Promoción Turística (Promtur Panamá).
This ambitious goal is supported by an international promotion strategy designed to capitalize on the interest of corporate travelers seeking comprehensive experiences. “For 2026, the foundations are already solid: 81 international events have been secured and incentivized, of which 37 are fully confirmed,” Promtur stated.
These figures point to a significant economic impact, with an estimated 63,000 international participants expected to generate more than 262,000 room nights. Promtur highlighted that these events will inject direct revenues of approximately $119 million, underscoring that conventions are key to attracting high-value travelers whose average daily spending of $455 benefits the entire tourism value chain.
Projection theory finds practical validation in recent events such as the International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe (CAF), held at the end of January 2026, which emerged as one of the strongest economic drivers at the start of the year.
According to the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP), the capital recorded an average hotel occupancy rate of 85% during the event, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The Asociación Panameña de Ejecutivos de Empresa (Apede) estimated that the forum, which brought together seven heads of state and more than 2,500 business leaders, generated a direct economic impact of between $10 million and $12 million.
“This rebound not only demonstrates the success of the event but also confirms Panama’s capacity to manage conventions and meetings tourism,” ATP stated, emphasizing the importance of these occupancy peaks during months that traditionally begin at a slower pace.
Jaime Pons, representative of the Asociación de Hoteles de Panamá (Apatel), noted that “the (CAF) meeting was a direct catalyst for the capital. Although Panama’s infrastructure capacity is vast, the volume of bookings was significant, particularly benefiting hotels within a 10-kilometer radius of the Panama Convention Center.”
Apede calculated that the direct economic impact ranged between $10 million and $12 million, affecting not only accommodation but also catering, logistics, and technology services. However, a key phenomenon identified by the hotel sector is the extension of stays by international delegates. “Many of those guests chose to stay two additional days and were supported with tours to San Blas, Colón, the beaches, or El Valle,” Pons explained.
For the hotel representative, this behavior is crucial because it extends economic benefits beyond the convention center, impacting transport operators, tour guides, and restaurants in the country’s interior.
Competitiveness
This momentum is also reflected in Panama’s international positioning in specialized rankings. According to the Asociación Internacional de Congresos y Convenciones (ICCA), the country has achieved historic gains: the capital climbed from 12th to 5th place in the Americas, while at the national level it advanced from seventh to fourth place on the continent.
This competitiveness is reinforced by the operational coexistence of the Atlapa Convention Center and the modern Panama Convention Center, allowing the destination to host multiple large-scale events simultaneously—an advantage that few regional destinations can match.
To ensure visitor flows remain strong, Promtur has diversified its strategy through a Microtargeting plan, working directly with wholesale agencies in priority markets such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Spain. This approach has also opened doors in emerging markets such as Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
A Positive Outlook
One of the most encouraging developments for the sector is the confirmation that Panama will once again host the CAF meeting in January 2027. For hoteliers, this news is highly valuable in terms of planning. “This allows us to begin outlining strategies now for next year,” Pons stated.
During 2025, Panama hosted approximately 100 international events. That performance resulted in more than 310,000 room nights and the mobilization of 59,000 foreign attendees, generating an economic impact exceeding $141 million, according to Promtur.
Promtur noted that “the most remarkable aspect of this performance is the strategic return on investment, estimated at $50 generated for every dollar invested in promotion and attraction efforts, validating the efficiency of the current tourism management model.”
Emirates Analyzes Establishing a Direct Air Route Between Panama and Dubai
At the conclusion of his official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez held a strategic meeting with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates. The main objective of the meeting was to assess the creation of a direct route between Dubai and Panama, strengthening the country’s role as a regional hub.
Emirates’ Strategic Interest in Panama
During the discussions, Emirati authorities highlighted the value of Panama’s geographic location and its logistics infrastructure. In addition to the potential new route, the possibility of expanding operations at Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen was addressed, with airport executives participating to analyze the technical and strategic feasibility of the project.
Official Tour of the Persian Gulf
The meeting took place within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2026. After concluding his agenda in Dubai, Martínez-Acha departed this Friday for Qatar, continuing an official mission that will also include Saudi Arabia. Panama aims to consolidate its presence in the Gulf region, leveraging its current pro tempore presidency of the Association of Caribbean States.
Hutchison Ports Requests Panama to Negotiate to Continue Operating Ports in the Canal
The Hong Kong–based company CK Hutchison Holdings on Thursday asked the Panamanian government to negotiate in order to continue operating two ports in the Panama Canal (Balboa on the Pacific side and Cristóbal on the Atlantic side), after the Supreme Court of Justice annulled the concession for both terminals, a company spokesperson announced.
The Court voided in January the contract that had allowed Hutchison to manage the two ports since 1997. Following that decision, Panama announced that the Danish company Maersk would take over those terminals.
“We are requesting the establishment of a dialogue table between C.K. Hutchison and representatives of the Executive Branch to seek a reasonable solution,” said Alejandro Kouruklis, spokesperson for Hutchison’s subsidiary.
Holy Week in Panama 2026: When It Is and What Lent Means
Holy Week is one of the most important religious celebrations for Christian believers in Panama, where thousands of faithful participate each year in processions, Masses, and liturgical activities commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When Is Holy Week 2026?
In 2026, Holy Week will be observed on the following dates:
- Palm Sunday: March 29
- Holy Thursday: April 2
- Good Friday: April 3
- Holy Saturday: April 4
- Easter Sunday: April 5
During these days, many communities hold processions, religious reenactments, and spiritual reflection activities. It is also a period when numerous families take the opportunity to travel or rest.
What Is Lent and What Does It Mean?
Lent is the period preceding Holy Week and lasts 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding before Easter Sunday.
This time is regarded by believers as a season of:
- Spiritual reflection
- Penance
- Fasting and abstinence
- Preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
The number 40 carries religious symbolism connected to the time that, according to Christian tradition, Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his public ministry.
Holy Week Traditions in Panama
In the country, Holy Week combines religious observances with cultural and tourism traditions. Among the most notable are:
- Religious processions in various provinces
- Reenactments of the Stations of the Cross
- Traditional consumption of seafood and fish
- Travel to the interior of the country and family activities
Additionally, during these dates many institutions and businesses adjust their working hours, while tourism activity increases toward beaches, rivers, and destinations in the interior of the country.
The Mikkelson Files: #1 – The Case of the Missing Remote
