On 3 November, every Panamanian town - from the capital to the smallest village - holds a parade. School children march in matching uniforms, often spending weeks rehearsing. Marching bands play music written specially for the day. Crowds line the streets cheering.
School bands are the stars. Drum lines, brass sections, dancers with twirling flags - they all rehearse for months. Some bands are famous across the whole country. The best ones are invited to the big parade in Panama City along the historic Cinta Costera.
There are other holidays too. On 4 November, schools and towns honour the national flag. On 10 November, they remember the first call for independence in the town of Los Santos. And on 28 November, they celebrate Panama becoming free from Spanish rule back in 1821. It is a whole month of waving flags.
Wearing the national colours - red, white and blue - is part of the fun. Children wear hair ribbons and bracelets in the colours. Houses and shops hang Panamanian flags. It is one of the proudest, busiest months of the year.