Panama Life Hub Insider: Your Weekly Digest for Expat Life in Panama
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
A Note from the Editor
Welcome back to the Panama Life Hub Insider.
This week, we reflect on the successful execution of the massive "City of Stars" Christmas Parade and bring you a critical health alert concerning counterfeit medicines during the holiday shopping rush. Most importantly, we have the practical details on extended shopping mall hours, crucial for planning your final holiday purchases this week. Our deep dive prepares you for the chaos of holiday travel through Tocumen.
Our goal is to provide the clear, actionable insights you need to thrive in the Republic of Panama.
Happy reading,
Carlos Chen Editor, Panama Life Hub Insider
🗞️ Weekly Summary: News & Insights
This week's summary focuses on the outcome of the biggest holiday event, a critical consumer health warning, and crucial updates on shopping hours.
1. "City of Stars" Parade Closes with Success and Massive Attendance
- News Summary: The "Ciudad de las Estrellas" (City of Stars) Christmas Parade, held on Sunday, December 14th, on Calle 50, was deemed a resounding success by municipal authorities. The event attracted an estimated crowd of over 300,000 people. The strict security operation and new regulations—prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol and unauthorized vending—allowed the day to proceed without major incidents, marking a positive example for managing massive civic events.
- What This Means for You: The event's success under strict regulation is a positive sign for future, well-managed public gatherings. While the parade is over and the main roads are open, the high volume of people in commercial areas continues due to holiday shopping. This is the last major road closure before New Year's, easing traffic concerns for the coming week.
- Link to Source: Mupa.gob.pa/
2. Consumer Safety Alert: Fedefarma Warns of Counterfeit Medicines
- News Summary: The Central American and Caribbean Federation of Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Fedefarma) issued a health alert this week regarding a potential increase in the circulation of illegal and counterfeit medicines during the peak holiday season in Panama and the region. These dangerous products are often sold through unauthorized street vendors or unregulated online sites. Acquiring these can lead to wasted money and serious health risks.
- What This Means for You: This is a critical consumer safety warning just as the holiday shopping rush peaks. You are strongly advised to never purchase any medication from street vendors, markets, or suspicious websites. Always ensure your medicines are sourced exclusively from authorized pharmacies and licensed health centers to guarantee treatment efficacy and your well-being.
- Link to Source: Panama24horas.com.pa/
3. Shopping Malls Announce Extended Operating Hours for Christmas Week
- News Summary: To accommodate the rush of last-minute shoppers, several major shopping centers across Panama City (including Multiplaza, Albrook Mall, and Metromall) have announced extended operating hours effective this week, running through Christmas Eve. These centers will be opening earlier and closing later than usual to allow shoppers more flexibility. These extended hours are critical for managing the high volume of people and traffic congestion expected in the final days before December 25th.
- What This Means for You: This is a crucial practical update. Plan your final shopping trips utilizing these extended hours to avoid the midday peak crowds. The extended hours also apply to certain banking and delivery services within the malls.
- For Specific Hours: To know the precise opening and closing times for your preferred location, please visit the official websites and social media channels of major commercial malls like Multiplaza, Albrook Mall, and Metromall, as schedules vary by day and location.
🎯 Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive
Understanding the Travel Chaos: Navigating Tocumen Airport During the Peak Holiday Season
As the holiday season reaches its climax, thousands of residents and tourists will pass through Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in the coming weeks. This period, spanning mid-December through the first week of January, is notorious for peak congestion, leading to longer processing times and potential stress.
This week, we analyze the specific challenges faced by travelers during this season. We look at the recent updates on airport operations, common causes for delays (including customs and immigration bottlenecks), and provide practical tips for expats on utilizing online check-in, identifying fast-track options, and the optimal days and times to fly to minimize wait times and ensure a smoother transit through Panama's main hub.
➡️Planning to travel between now and early January? Click here to read our complete deep dive
👋 Your Next Step in Panama
Thank you for being a valued reader of the Panama Life Hub Insider.
Whether you are finishing your holiday shopping or preparing for travel, we are here to provide the crucial context.
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