Santa Catalina, Panama

Burning Woman

31 Dec, 2026

Playa El Estero

Burning Woman is a unique New Year’s Eve event where you witness a towering female effigy made from reclaimed wood and local plants built and set on fire at midnight. Rooted in the Panamanian tradition of burning "muñecas," this ritual invites you to add your messages or wishes to the sculpture before it burns, marking a moment of renewal and release. Each year, the effigy takes on a new theme—like a Sea Nymph or Dryad—giving the event a fresh, symbolic focus. It’s a chance to join a meaningful tradition that blends creativity with reflection. The event brings together locals and visitors in a shared experience that feels intimate and communal without being overwhelming. Watching the fire grow and the sculpture transform offers a striking visual and emotional rhythm to the evening. Whether you come with friends or alone, you’ll find a space to pause and consider the year ahead alongside others doing the same. It’s a thoughtful way to close the year with a sense of release and hope.

More details from the organiser