Cultural Traditions
Christmas
Christmas in Costa Rica is an important time for Costa Rican families. Students have a break from school during December and January, providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the ‘summer break’ with their families and visit the different beaches around the country.
Every shop and avenue is adorned with sparkling lights and nativity scenes, while families frequently come together to prepare special Christmas feasts. Annually, spectators gather in San Jose’s Paseo Colon to enjoy the magical Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light). Typically scheduled for the second Saturday of December, the event features an impressive parade with elaborate floats, hundreds of thousands of lights, music, dance, and fireworks.
Posadas
During the Christmas season and particularly in the more rural areas where people are devout Catholics, ‚Posadas‘ takes place during the week of Christmas. Traditionally, each neighborhood organizes a kind of procession, with children re-enacting Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay.
This tradition involves a neighborhood walk, with a young girl dressed as Mary and a young boy dressed as Joseph, going from door to door, seeking lodging. Their parents follow them, reciting quotes from the Bible, and afterwards, the neighborhood comes together for a religious discussion while they have hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks.
Portal
Another beloved Christmas tradition in Catholic homes is the creation of a nativity scene, also known as the portal. This popular tradition is widely observed in Central America and throughout the rest of Latin America. The portal is constructed using moss, colored sand, and figurines that depict the birth of Jesus. The essential figures include Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, an ox, a mule, shepherds, and of course, Baby Jesus.
On December 24, at midnight, the figure of Baby Jesus is placed in the portal to symbolize his birth. Most Costa Rican families share the belief that the Baby Jesus delivers presents under the Christmas tree, not Santa Claus! This tradition adds a special touch to the holiday season in Costa Rican homes.
Tamales
Tope
Another important celebration in the country is The Tope Nacional, or National Horse Parade, held in San José on December 26, the day after Christmas, as part of the country’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
The National Horse Parade gathers thousands of horseback riders from all over the country, showcasing their riding skills atop horses that have been beautifully decorated with colorful ribbons, flowers and intricate designs. Meanwhile, participants wear traditional costumes.
The event usually begins early in the morning and continues throughout the day, stretching for several kilometers through the streets of San José.
Virgen de los Ángeles Day
Virgen de los Ángeles Day, also known as ‘La Negrita Day’, is a significant religious holiday in Costa Rica. It is celebrated on August 2 each year and honors the country’s Patron Saint, the Virgin of Los Ángeles, also affectionately referred to as ‘La Negrita’.
Every year on August 2, Catholics from all over the country, and even from neighboring countries, walk long distances from different regions to the Basilica in Cartago, where the Virgin’s statue is located. Some people take days to walk from the coastal side of the country to the Basilica, where the celebration includes various religious ceremonies held throughout the day, including Masses, processions, and the veneration of the Virgin’s statue.
Patron Saint Festivals (Fiestas Patronales)
Fiestas Patronales are Catholic festivals held in various towns and villages across Costa Rica to honor the Patron Saint of each community. Each town or community has its own saint, and the festival is usually celebrated on the feast day of that saint.
During the Fiestas Patronales, the community comes together to celebrate with a variety of activities, events, and traditions such as religious processions, traditional dances, fireworks, food, and drinks. The money collected is usually used to improve something in the Catholic temple or in the community.
Faroles Day (El Día de los Faroles)
‘Faroles Day’ in Costa Rica, also known as ‘El Día de los Faroles’ or ‘Lantern Parade Day’, is a unique and colorful celebration held annually on September 14. This date marks the eve of Costa Rica’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 15.
During this celebration, students and their parents across the country create and carry homemade lanterns or ‚faroles‘ to commemorate the country’s historic declaration of independence from Spain in 1821. Schools organize an activity to gather together with the students and their families, and they walk together through the streets with their lanterns held high, creating a beautiful display of light and color.
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
The Easter Festival of Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is one of the religious holidays that Costa Ricans take very seriously. Schools and government bodies shut down for an entire week to make time for religious processions, family gatherings and delicious local dishes.
Those who do not participate in religious activities take the time to visit the beautiful beaches, meaning this is also the time of the year when you’ll find the most crowds at the beach. An important detail to keep in mind is that on Holy Thursday and Friday, no liquor sales are allowed. However, this law has changed over the years, and might not apply in every part of the country.
Costa Rica’s traditions and cultural events are diverse, reflecting the country’s historical roots, indigenous heritage, and vibrant local communities. Embracing these traditions allows visitors to have a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican culture and identity.
These are also only a few examples of traditional events. Because Costa Rica is such an exquisite and multicultural country, it would be impossible to mention all of them, as each town may have its own unique traditions. This list merely gives you an idea of some of the most popular events that you shouldn’t miss.
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