Vacations to Costa Rica can not be complete without experiencing the fervor and the flavor of the local and national holidays and the ensuing festivities. As a matter of fact, many tourists time their vacation to coincide with these events to maximize their holiday experience.
So if you are also looking forward to enjoying the local festivities, here is a list of some of the more popular Costa Rican holidays and events that can add more spice and thrill to your vacation.
There is certainly no denying the fact that Costa Rica is a veritable treasure trove of natural wonders and scenic beauty. Miles of sandy beaches with sparkling azure water and the faint fragrance of colorful flowers all make this tropical heaven an ideal vacation destination. It is not just the flora and fauna that attract tourists to Costa Rica the local culture, cuisine, way of life and celebrations all make Costa Rica a remarkable destination for vacations.
Since the country has a predominantly catholic population Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter are celebrated with much zest. Both are celebrated with family gatherings and religious processions and events. The best part about Costa Rica is the friendly nature of the people; once they get to know you they will be happy to extend out an invitation to you to attend such family gatherings. A relatively mild form of Catholicism is practiced in Costa Rica as opposed to the more stringent practices of other Latin American Countries. So, even though the occasions are religious you will notice that they are accompanied by a lot of partying.
The Fiesta San Vincente de Moravia is celebrated right before Easter with a street fair with music, lots of dancing, the toro a la tica or traditional bullfight without bloodshed and local cuisine. Since most shops are closed for almost 4-7 days before Easter and Christmas it would be a good idea to stock up food items and other necessities. Apart from these major holidays each town also commemorates the day of their patron saint which again may be marked by a colorful procession followed by a party.
Other events include the Fiesta Palmares, which is held in the first two weeks of January each year in Palmares. The celebrations include live music a colorful carnival complete with rides, games and the traditional bullfight, and of course lots of traditional dancing.
The Fiesta Santa Cruz follows in the second week of January and is held on the Nicoya peninsula. The festivities are similar to the Fiesta Palmares and include a traditional bullfight followed by a parade, a party with food, open air concerts and a fireworks show.
An event that has indigenous roots is the Fiesta de Los Diablitos or the festival of the little devils. It is held in the second half of February and includes a reenactment of the battle between the Spanish forces and the Boruca Indians. The event is held in Rey curee south of San Isidro de El General. If you want to get a glimpse into the art and culture of the indigenous population you shouldn’t miss this event. The participants adorn spectacular hand carved masks and traditional Indian costumes; of course the event also includes plenty of food and a fireworks display.
The Festival del Mar is another local celebration which lasts for almost a week and is marked by street fairs, dancing, open air concerts and sporting events.
Actually there is never a dull month or day in Costa Rica because if you look closely, you will find at least one festive occasion each month that is hosted by a specific town or county.
So, when you visit Costa Rica you will not only get a wonderful beach vacation, but you will also get the excellent opportunity to experience the amazing local culture and traditions.