Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocaribeña
This Caribbean celebration includes a gala parade in Limón, a range of cultural activities, concerts, conferences and educational forums, traditional games for kids, cultural performances, food and more. The event also includes a number of symbolic activities and civic ceremonies paying tribute to honorees.
Independence Day
Independence Day commemorates Costa Rica’s independence from Spanish rule in 1821. This national holiday is marked by students in schools across the country hoisting the national flag, completing parades and putting on performances for the community. On Sept. 14, at exactly 6 p.m, the entire nation joins in the national anthem. The Independence Torch, which is another symbol of Costa Rica’s liberation from Spain, is carried by thousands of students from Guatemala to Costa Rica’s southern region to its arrival on the 14th. In Cartago, the former capital city of Costa Rica, the president of Costa Rica receives the torch. Parades and traditional activities also take place all across Costa Rica the morning of the 15th.
Día de las Culturas
Celebrated on October 12th, Día de las Culturas is Columbus Day in Costa Rica. This holiday celebrates the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Carnaval de Limón
This Caribbean street party takes place the week of Columbus Day and is one of the most famous Costa Rican festivals. Described as a smaller-scale version of Mardi Gras, the celebration includes floats, dancing and extravagant street celebrations commemorating Columbus’s first arrival to Costa Rica.
La Ruta de los Conquistadore
La Ruta de Los Conquistadores is Costa Rica’s premier mountain bike race and one of the most difficult athletic events on the planet. The world’s original multi-day fat-tire stage race, La Ruta, is the “Grandfather” that created and inspired this now-worldwide genre.
Dia de los Difuntos
All Soul’s Day is observed across Latin America. Costa Ricans visit the cemeteries of their loved ones and decorate their graves with flowers. Catholic masses are also held.
National Tourism Fair “VAMOS A TURISTEAR”
This gathering of the Costa Rican tourism industry aims to strengthen the promotion of domestic tourism. Among the participants are tour operators, national parks, hosting companies, car rental agencies and rural tourism representatives.
Fiestas of Palmares
Beginning in the second week of January visitors can experience local food and drinks, music, dancing, parades, fireworks, and of course, Costa Rican bullfighting and horse parades. This is one of the largest events in Costa Rica, with a variety of athletic competitions, including mountain biking and soccer, are also popular events during this festival.
Entrada de Santos y Desfile de Boyeros
The city of San José, with the support of Asociación Boyera Nacional, plays host to this parade and celebration which honors the traditional oxcart and cattle. This event brings together hundreds of cattlemen from all over the country showcasing their wagons and oxen. During the parade, families enjoy typical music and traditional folkdance groups.
Festival de La Luz
Festival de la Luz is a popular festival that takes place in the city of San José. It includes an evening parade with beautifully lit floats (in which the Costa Rica Tourism Board also provides a signature float) and fireworks. This celebration is typically associated with the year-end holidays.
Marathon Costa Rica
This top-notch marathon is organized by La Asociación Marathón Internacional Costa Rica with a goal of providing athletes national and international certifications and endorsements.
Festejos Populares San José
The year-end festival guarantees that the old year goes out with a bang. Attendees enjoy festivities held the last week of every year in San José. The celebration includes carnival rides, food stands, games, music and dancing.