What Happened
The National Lottery of Beneficence has adjusted its draw schedule and public service hours for Semana Santa 2026. The changes affect both the Sunday draw and the midweek drawing, along with several days of office operations nationwide.
The schedule was updated to help ticket vendors manage their work during the holiday period and to make it easier for winners to claim prizes without disruption.
New Draw Dates
The Sunday draw set for April 5 will now take place on Monday, April 6. The Wednesday “Miercolito” draw scheduled for April 8 will be held on Thursday, April 9.
These adjustments shift the regular lottery calendar by one day in each case, aligning operations with the Semana Santa holiday period in Panama.
Office Hours During the Holiday
All lottery offices nationwide will be closed on Good Friday, April 3, and again on Easter Sunday, April 5. On Holy Saturday, April 4, offices will operate only for collections, product delivery and prize payments, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Regular hours will resume from Monday, April 6 through Sunday, April 12 at all branches.
Why the Change Matters
Semana Santa often brings changes to public schedules across Panama, and the lottery’s update is designed to keep its operations orderly during the holiday. For sellers and buyers, the adjusted calendar means planning ahead for purchases and prize collection.
The National Lottery remains one of the most familiar public institutions in Panama, and its draw dates are closely followed by players across the country. Clear holiday scheduling helps avoid confusion and supports the flow of sales, payments and prize claims at a time when many public offices reduce their activity.
For people participating in the draws, the main takeaway is straightforward: the Sunday drawing moves to Monday, and the Wednesday drawing moves to Thursday, while service at lottery offices follows a limited schedule over the holiday weekend.