Tour del Lago Arenal
Overlooking Lake Arenal is the renowned Arenal volcano, which provides a scenic view to one of the most significant mountain biking events in Latin America, Vuelta al Lago, which translates to “around the lake.” This two-day event, that continues to attract riders from all over the world, circuits a 158 km ride around Lake Arenal. Bikers who know the terrain come prepared with their mountain bikes.
Feria del Gustico
This fair is a unique opportunity to sample many products from small producers while enjoying cultural activities as well. Taking place in the Old Customs Building in San José, this is an excellent fair for a tourist to attend as there are over 180 companies providing samples of a wide variety of products. Some of the products include coffee, jams, dairy, preserves, gourmet cheeses, gluten-free products, plants, flowers, chocolates, asta, aloe-flavored drinks, jewelry, clothing and recycled materials.
Dia de San Jose
Celebrated across Costa Rica, Día de San José is particularly special because Saint Joseph is also the patron saint of San José, the capital city. This is a religious celebration with special masses, displays of beautiful pieces of artwork, parades and food.
Festival Internacional de las Artes
The Festival Internacional de las Artes is a program organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ). The event brings together the best national and international artists providing attendees with the opportunity to enjoy artwork, live theater, music and dance performances.
IFGA Offshore World Championship
The Offshore World Championship is the globe’s largest and most anticipated international deep sea fishing competition, offering seasoned anglers four action-packed days to win the coveted first place title for the largest number of record-setting game fish caught and released.
Atenas Climate Fair and Oxcart Parade
Organized by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce of Atenas, CATUCA and the Atenas Cattle Driver Association, this event has been developing over the last eight years. The goal is to bring locals and tourists to Atenas annually to celebrate their reputation for having “the best climate in the world” according to an article featured in National Geographic magazine. There is also a historical significance since Atenas was a key site on the road taken by the oxcarts which carried coffee to the port of Puntarenas. During this celebration the town is filled with color and traditional activities.
EXPOTUR
EXPOTUR brings together more than 300 representatives from the tourism sector. This event, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (ACOPROT), highlights a wide variety of tourism products ranging from major attractions to products and services. Additionally, EXPOTUR aims to familiarize the industry with Costa Rica’s tourism offerings and experiences through a series of pre- and post-event tours.
Festival Afrocultural Limon Roots
Advertised as “the biggest cultural, artistic and danceable" event in the history of Costa Rica, Limón Roots magazine hosts festivities around the country. Scheduled events have included jams, an awards ceremony and an African-themed fashion show.
Fiestas de la Virgen del Mar
Celebrated on the Puntarenas Beach, Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar (Festival of the Virgin of the Sea) is a colorful festival with parades and ornate boats with lights and flags paying homage to the Virgen del Carmen. This celebration always takes place during the day on the weekend closest to July 16.
Anexión del Partido de Nicoya
Also known as Guanacaste Day, this is a celebration of Guanacaste’s annexation from Nicaragua in 1824. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities which include traditional music, typically played by a quartet and xylophone. Many people also wear their traditional costumes and dance to marimba music. Costumed couples perform “Punto Guanacasteco,” the region’s folkloric dance, which has become the national dance. The cities of Liberia and Nicoya become the center of the action hosting concerts, dancing and bull fights.
Romería a la Vírgen de los Ángeles
This is the annual pilgrimage day of the patron virgin of Costa Rica. Nearly a million people gather to walk from San José to the Basílica in Cartago (approximately 15 miles or 24 km).
Entrada de Los Santos
More than two dozen statues of saints from various towns are brought to San Ramón, where they are paraded through the streets. This celebration features live music, a variety of entertainment activities and traditional festival food.