Culture is something which gives a lot of information about the people of a certain country. It tells us about their civilization, their attitude, their norms, their values, their goals and even their belief. Cultural events are pretty important not only to the host nation but to the touring public as well.
These events provide a unique mix of diversity and people enjoy it. Imagine people from all around the word gathering around in South Africa to watch the recent soccer world cup. This event has become sort of a cultural event. People all around the globe gather there, have some fun time, later sit together, talk about each other ideas and enjoy themselves. Such events are pretty important for a country’s successful tourism sector. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world who has a very strong tourism sector and one of the reasons for such a strong tourism sector is that they provide the tourists with a wide variety of good entertaining local cultural events.
Let’s have a look at some of Costa Rica’s important local cultural entertainment events:
In the very first two weeks of New Year, Ticos (people of Costa Rica) have their first big cultural event; called Palmares Civic Fiestas. The cultural event consists of a lot of traditional dancing, music and riding. It’s sort of a carnival and people also enjoy bullfighting during these days. Other important events in this month are Alajuelita Fiestas, Copa del Cafe and Santa Cruz Fiestas.
In February, tourists can enjoy some beautiful flowers and plants in San Isidro del General Fiestas. The event also offers an exhibition of cattle, industrial and agricultural stalls, bullfighting and floral exhibition.
In March, Ticos have the National Orchid Show. Almost five hundred different species of orchids are put on show for public. It’s a great event. Besides there’s another colorful event in Escazu called Dia de los Boyeros in March. Dia de los Boyeros presents the public with colorful parades of oxcarts. Different animals and crops are also put on show.
With April comes the Easter. April also hosts the commemoration day for the national Tico hero, Juan Santamaria. Celebrations for whole week are made. During this week, a lot of music is played and different kinds of dance are also performed.
In May, Ticos have the Carrera de San Juan which marks the longest marathon of the year. Runners have to run a distance of around 23 kilometers.
June goes with a couple of religious days. July starts with Puntarenas-Virgin of the Sea. There’s a lot of music, dance, sports and boating in this cultural event. Very colorful!!!
August has a couple of religious days and then in September the grand day comes i.e. the Independence Day of Costa Rica. The Freedom Torch is carried by a student and at a particular time in the day, people leave all the activities and sing the national anthem. There are a number of dance parties and parades too.
In October, they have Columbus Day and in November the San Jose International Arts Festival. This festival is marked with open air theatres where people perform a number of live plays and other entertaining stuff. In November, Ticos also visit the graves of their loved ones and put flower on them. The day is called “All Souls Day”.
In December, they have a number of cultural events. But the biggest one is the Christmas Celebrations. The day marks with the competition of best portal, coconut ‘melcochas’ (coconut candy), tamales, ‘chichi’ (drink from corn) and some high quality imported apples and grapes.
Besides all these events, there are a number of small cultural events taking place in Costa Rica. All these events make Costa Rica a real fun place to visit.
