Panama Life Hub Insider
Your Weekly Digest for Expat Life in Panama
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
A Note from the Editor
The "Big Weekend" is over. With over 300,000 people having visited Las Tablas for the Mil Polleras and the Jazz Festival, which is now closing its curtains in the city, Panama is shifting its gaze westward.
This week, we prepare for the Feria Internacional de La Chorrera, a massive event just 45 minutes from the city. We also have the official 2026 School Calendar for those with families, and a necessary update on water pressure as the dry season intensifies.
We prioritize a national concern: water security. While festivals are the soul of the season, water is its lifeblood, and we are entering the most critical weeks of the dry season.
Carlos Chen Editor, Panama Life Hub Insider
🗞️ Weekly Summary: News & Insights
1. Events: The Chorrera International Fair Starts Tomorrow (Jan 21)
- News Summary: One of Panama's largest agricultural and commercial events, the Feria de La Chorrera, opens its doors tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan 21, and will run until February 1, 2026. The event showcases the region's agricultural strength—particularly its world-famous pineapples—alongside industrial and artisanal exhibitions.
- What This Means for You: It’s the closest "major" fair to Panama City. It’s perfect for buying local plants (viveros), artisanal furniture, and tasting authentic Panamanian "fondas" without driving 4+ hours. Logistics Alert: Traffic on the Bridge of the Americas and the Arraiján-La Chorrera highway will be extremely heavy in the evenings and weekends during the fair.
- Editor’s Note: The real value of this fair is in its nighttime activity. The cultural events, live music on the main stages, and the full variety of local restaurants only reach their peak in the evenings. If you want the most vibrant experience and the best food, plan to arrive around 6:00 PM, but be prepared for larger crowds.
- Link to Source: Thevisitorpanama.info/
2. Education: Meduca Confirms March 2nd as First Day of School 2026
- News Summary: The Ministry of Education (Meduca) has finalized the 2026 academic calendar. Teachers start their organization week on Feb 23, and students return to classrooms on Monday, March 2, 2026. This applies to both public and most private schools (though some international schools follow the US/European calendar).
- What This Means for You: If you have children in school, "Back-to-School" shopping starts now to avoid the February rush. If you don't have kids, take note: March 2nd is the day traffic in Panama City increases by an estimated 30%. Plan your commutes accordingly, starting that week.
- Editor’s Note: Now is the time to pay attention to "Back to School" offers. Usually, a full month before classes start, major department stores and supermarkets launch deep promotions on uniforms and school supplies. Shopping this week can save you up to 20-30% compared to the "emergency" shopping during the last week of February.
- Link to Source: Telemetro
3. Utilities: IDAAN Issues Low Water Pressure Warning for Panama & San Miguelito
- News Summary: Due to the peak of the dry season and maintenance at the Chilibre water plant, IDAAN has warned of low water pressure and intermittent service in high-altitude areas of Panama City and San Miguelito. The agency is urging citizens to limit "non-essential" water use (like washing cars or sidewalks).
- IDAAN has reported a decrease in river levels feeding water treatment plants nationwide. While the capital often gets the headlines, regions like Chiriquí, Herrera, and Los Santos are seeing significant drops in supply as the dry season intensifies.
- What This Means for You: If you live in a PH (high-rise), ensure your building's reserve tanks are functioning properly. It’s also a good week to remind your household staff about water conservation. This is a common seasonal issue that usually lasts through April.
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Guidelines for Residents (National): Water rationing is a national event. If you live outside Panama City or San Miguelito, follow these essential steps:
- Clean your reserve tanks: Ensure your storage system is free of sediment to maximize capacity.
- Check well pumps: If you rely on a private well, check the water table levels and ensure your pump isn't sucking up sand.
- Prioritize Hygiene: During peak shortage hours, use water strictly for hygiene and cooking. Avoid watering lawns or washing cars during the day; the evaporation rate is so high that most of that water is wasted anyway.
- Link to Source: Infobae
🎯 Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive
The Gold of 2026: Why Water Rationing is Your Top Priority
Fairs and festivals are part of the Panama experience, but for the next 90 days, the most important resource in your household isn't your internet or your electricity—it's your water supply.
The Reality of the 2026 Dry Season: Panama is facing a particularly aggressive dry season. For an expat, especially those living in the "Dry Arch" (Azuero Peninsula) or Coronado, water management is the difference between a comfortable summer and a logistical nightmare.
Critical Conservation Steps:
- The "Leak" Audit: One leaking toilet flapper can waste up to 750 liters of water a day. In a country facing a shortage, this isn't just a bill issue; it's a community issue. Check every faucet and toilet this week.
- Greywater Logic: If you have a garden in the interior, consider reusing "greywater" from your washing machine (use biodegradable soap) for your ornamental plants. The "Brisa" dries soil in hours; watering at night (after 9:00 PM) is the only way to ensure the roots actually absorb the moisture.
- Community Pressure: If you live in a PH (condo), attend your board meetings. Ensure the building’s reserve tank is being managed correctly. Many buildings "dump" their tanks too early in the day, leaving residents dry by dinner time.
➡️ Living in the interior and worried about your supply? [Click here for our "Panama Dry Season Survival: Essential Water Conservation Tips for Expats"].
👋 Your Next Step in Panama
Before you head to the Chorrera Fair this weekend, spend 10 minutes checking your home for leaks—it's the best way to ensure a stress-free summer for everyone!
🔗 Access our full archive here: https://newsletter.panamalifehub.com/
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