Festivals in Costa rica

Costa Rica is a country that is rich not only in biodiversity, but also in culture. Throughout the year, the country hosts many festivals; we’ve listed some of the most popular for you below.

Palmares Festival

The Palmares Fiestas takes place over a period of two weeks in January in Palmares, located between Alajuela and San Ramon. This festival, or ‘fiesta’ as it is known in the country, is one of the largest in the country, with attendees enjoying concerts, stand-up comedy, a carnival, sporting events, fireworks, bullfighting, food and drink, and a ‘tope’ (or horse parade). The event is open to the public without any entrance fee, although certain activities may necessitate buying tickets. To ensure the safety of all participants, several security measures are in place. The festival is well-known for its late-night celebrations hosted in tents that have been erected exclusively for the occasion, where joyful attendees can revel throughout the night, enjoying drinks, dancing, and creating unforgettable memories.

Zapote Festival

The Zapote Festival, also known as Fiestas de Zapote, is one of the most popular and traditional festivals in Costa Rica. It takes place during the Christmas and New Year season, typically starting in late December and running until early January. The festival is held in the district of Zapote, located in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, and is most popular for showcasing the country’s best bull riders in a traditional rodeo setting, as well as allowing people from the crowd to step into the ring and try their hand at the sport too, making for some funny sights and spectacular falls. Outside of the bull ring, there is a lot to do at the Zapote Festival, including live music and entertainment, traditional food and drinks, carnival rides and games, making it a fun experience for families and children alike.

Independence Day

This is probably the most important celebration for Costa Ricans, as September 15th is the day they celebrate their independence and freedom. This national holiday is marked by parades, marching bands, and the raising of the Costa Rican flag. In the streets of most towns, people can enjoy musical displays from local school and city bands.

Envision Festival

Rather than being a traditional Costa Rican festival, Envision Festival is a popular international event and one of the largest in Central America. It takes place in Uvita (Puntarenas) and is very popular with beach lovers, combining music, art, yoga, workshops, and sustainability events that attract visitors from all around the world. The festival takes place in February each year.

Limon Carnival

The Limon Carnival is a week-long annual celebration that takes place in mid-October in the city of Puerto Limon, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This festival is the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the distinct culture of this region. Attendees will be captivated by the lively Caribbean beats, elaborate floats, processions, authentic cuisine, traditional dances, melodious tunes, and the vibrant display of decorations and costumes. This festival commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus and other Spanish conquistadors to the island of Uvita in 1502, a tiny island just offshore of the port at Limon.

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Lights)

This celebration typically takes place in December, usually on the second Saturday of the month, to mark the beginning of the holiday season. The festival is celebrated in the capital city, San Jose, and is known for its dazzling parade of lights, vibrant floats, and captivating performances.

 

During the Festival de la Luz, the streets of San Jose come alive with an array of colorful displays, beautifully illuminated floats, and marching bands playing cheerful tunes. It is one of the largest and most significant parades in the country, attracting thousands of spectators from both Costa Rica and abroad.

The above festivals are only a few of the many events that run in Costa Rican towns, cities, and rural locations across the year.

 

Keep in mind that festival dates and details may vary from year to year and from one region to another. If you plan to attend a specific event, it’s a good idea to check the latest information and schedules closer to your travel dates.

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