🌊 Discovering the Soul of Colón this Weekend

Panama Life Hub Insider

Editor: Carlos Chen | Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Website: panamalifehub.com​

Hello! I am Carlos Chen. I hope you’ve had a smooth transition back to reality after the Carnival break.

While the city settles back into its rhythm, the Atlantic coast is just getting started. This week, we move our focus to Colón, a province that often holds the most authentic expressions of Panama’s Caribbean heart. We’ll also cover the final countdown for corporate tax compliance and the return to business as usual. Let’s dive into the flavors and history that make this week special.

Weekly Summary

1. New "Retaliation Law": EU Companies Barred from Government Tenders

In a bold and controversial move, President Mulino has signed an executive order prohibiting companies from countries that keep Panama on "discriminatory lists" (mainly EU nations) from participating in large-scale government contracts and infrastructure projects.

• What this means for you: This "hardline" stance could lead to a shift in who builds our future roads and hospitals. While it’s a matter of national pride, it may limit competition in public bids, potentially affecting the speed or cost of future public works. For expats, it signals a period of cooler relations with certain European nations.
• Source: La Prensa Panama​

2. Sabores de Colón & Verano Canal (Feb 28 – March 1)

If you missed the interior during Carnival, this is your chance for a "cultural redo." The Sabores de Colón festival returns this weekend at the Centro de Arte y Cultura, featuring over 200 entrepreneurs and the best Afro-Caribbean cuisine (think coconut rice, fried fish, and saos).

• What this means for you: This is a fantastic, positive way to explore Colón’s culture in a safe, festive environment. It runs alongside the "Verano Canal" events, which include live music and the musical "El Sueño de un Istmo." It's perfect for a day trip or a weekend exploration of Panama's Atlantic soul.
• Event Location: Sabores de Colón will be held at the Colón Arts and Culture Center (formerly the Abel Bravo School), located at 11th Street and Amador Guerrero Avenue in the heart of Colón City. This iconic venue provides a spacious and safe environment to celebrate the very best of Afro-Caribbean cuisine and folklore.
• Source: La Prensa - Sociedad​

3. Final Call: Mass Dissolution of Inactive Corps (Feb 27)

This Friday, the government begins the official dissolution of over 180,000 legal entities that are behind on their taxes.

• What this means for you: Consider this your "financial spring cleaning." Ensure your property-holding corporation is in good standing. A quick check with your lawyer this week can save you months of paperwork later. It’s a "housekeeping" step that helps the whole country move toward a cleaner fiscal image.
• Source: Morgan & Morgan​

4. Back to Routine: Post-Carnival Efficiency

All banks, immigration offices, and the ATTT are back to full capacity following the Ash Wednesday transition.

• What this means for you: Historically, the week after Carnival is one of the best times to get paperwork done. Most people are still "recovering" or catching up on emails, leaving the lines at government offices surprisingly manageable.

Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive

The Atlantic Soul: Why Colón Matters to the Expat Identity

For many expats, especially those in the African Diaspora, the province of Colón serves as a powerful "home away from home." Beyond the logistics of the Free Zone, Colón is the custodian of the Congo Culture—recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In this week's analysis, we explore the deep connection between the Afro-Antillean heritage (brought by Canal workers from the West Indies) and the Afro-Colonial roots of the Cimarrones. Understanding Colón isn't just about trying the best fried fish in the country; it’s about recognizing the resilience and artistic joy that define the Panamanian Caribbean. For expats, engaging with Colón’s festivals and history offers a richer, more nuanced experience of what it truly means to live in Panama. It is here that the "Hub" feels most human, most rhythmic, and most welcoming.

Thank you for being part of the Panama Life Hub Insider. We are proud to share the stories that make this country unique.

​Read past editions of the newsletter here.

Best regards,

Carlos Chen Editor, Panama Life Hub Insider