Palm,Bay,,Fl,-usa-,October,12,2019:,Celebrating,The,Month

January

Palmares Festival

Taking place in the coastal city of Puntarenas, this vibrant carnival features parades, concerts, and street parties. The carnival atmosphere is infectious, with locals and tourists alike joining in the celebrations that often last late into the night.

March

International Arts Festival

Usually held in San José, this biennial event (taking place in even-numbered years) is a major cultural festival that showcases the best of Costa Rican and international arts. It features performances in music, dance, theater, and visual arts, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world.

April

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Holy Week is one of the most significant religious observances in Costa Rica. During this time, many towns and cities hold elaborate processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. San José and Cartago are particularly famous for their processions. It’s a time of reflection and celebration, with many Costa Ricans attending church services and family gatherings.

May

Labor Day

Celebrated on May 1st, Labor Day is a national holiday in Costa Rica. It includes parades and political speeches, with workers’ rights being a central theme. While not as festive as other celebrations, it’s an important day of recognition for workers across the country.

June

Corpus Christi

This religious festival is marked by processions and traditional dances, particularly in the town of Cot de Oreamuno, Cartago. The streets are often decorated with flowers and colorful sawdust carpets, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.

July

Annexation of Guanacaste Day

Celebrated on July 25th, this holiday commemorates the annexation of the Guanacaste province from Nicaragua in 1824. Festivities include parades, music, dances, rodeos, and traditional foods, particularly in Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste.

August

Virgen de los Angeles Day

On August 2nd, Costa Ricans celebrate the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Negrita. Pilgrims from all over the country walk to the Basilica in Cartago to pay homage to the Virgin. The pilgrimage, known as the “Romería,” is a deeply spiritual event and one of the most important religious observances in Costa Rica.

September

Independence Day

Celebrated on September 15th, Costa Rica’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from Spain in 1821. The day is filled with patriotic parades, traditional music, dances, and fireworks. Schools participate in parades, and the streets are adorned with the national colors of red, white, and blue.

October

Limon Carnival

Held in the Caribbean city of Limon, this carnival is a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture. Taking place over two weeks, the event features colorful parades, calypso music, traditional dances, and delicious Caribbean cuisine. It’s a lively and culturally rich festival that attracts visitors from all over the country.

November

Dia de los Inocentes

Similar to April Fool’s Day, this event on November 2nd is a time for pranks and jokes. Although not as widely celebrated as other festivals, it’s a fun and light-hearted day in Costa Rica.

December

Festival de la Luz

Held in mid-December, this festival in San José is a dazzling parade of lights featuring floats, bands, and fireworks. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, signaling the start of the Christmas season in Costa Rica.

Christmas Celebrations

Costa Rica also has vibrant Christmas traditions, including the “Tope Nacional” (horse parade) on December 26th and the “Zapote Festival” featuring bullfights and carnival rides from Christmas to New Year’s.

————

Costa Rica’s calendar is packed with events and festivals that reflect its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. From the energetic Palmares Festival in January to the dazzling Festival de la Luz in December, there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you’re drawn to religious processions, cultural parades, or lively carnivals, experiencing these events will give you a deeper appreciation for the warmth and diversity of Costa Rican culture.