There’s something really special about celebrating a local holiday when you’re visiting, travelling or being a digital nomad in a new place. It’s a quick way to get to grips with the culture of a new place, meet new people, and get a feel for what the locals are like.
If you’re visiting or emigrating to Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to have a sense of the holidays and festivals you’ll come across before you go. There are some really interesting festivals and events in Costa Rica throughout the calendar year, for all types of people as well as families. It’s also good to know before you go so that you know when and where accommodation may be more expensive or hard to come by!
Here’s everything you need to know about holidays and festivals in Costa Rica.
Contents
- Costa Rica’s National Holidays
- Major Festivals in Costa Rica
- Unique and Regional Festivals
- Music Festivals in Costa Rica
- International Events
- Costa Rican Festivals as a Traveller
- Calendar of Costa Rican Holidays & Events
- FAQs About Costa Rican Festivals and Holidays
- Conclusion
Costa Rica’s National Holidays
Costa Rica’s national holidays reflect its history, faith, and values, often celebrated with family gatherings, parades, and traditional music.
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
Independence Day, celebrated on 15th September, is one of the most important holidays in Costa Rica. Marking the country’s independence from Spain in 1821, the day is filled with patriotic pride. Cities and towns across the country host parades featuring schoolchildren in traditional costumes, marching bands, and folkloric dances. The celebration begins the night before with the Desfile de Faroles (lantern parade), where children carry handmade lanterns to symbolise freedom.
Christmas and New Year
Christmas in Costa Rica is a family-focused celebration infused with local traditions. Homes are decorated with portalitos (Nativity scenes), and families gather for midnight Mass and festive feasts featuring tamales and other traditional dishes.
New Year’s Eve is a lively affair, with fireworks, street parties, and traditions like wearing yellow underwear for good luck or sweeping the house to remove bad energy.
Juan Santamaría Day
This holiday, celebrated on 11th April, honours national hero Juan Santamaría, who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Rivas in 1856. The day features parades, reenactments, and cultural events that celebrate Costa Rica’s fight for sovereignty.
Guanacaste Annexation Day
Observed on 25th July, this holiday commemorates the annexation of Guanacaste province from Nicaragua in 1824. The celebration highlights Guanacaste’s unique culture with rodeos, marimba music, and traditional dances.
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Major Festivals in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s festivals are vibrant expressions of its culture, blending music, dance, and local traditions.
Palmares Festival
Held in January, the Palmares Festival is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most popular events. It features live music, horse parades, carnival rides, and a wide variety of food and drink. The festival attracts thousands of locals and visitors, making it a great way to experience Costa Rica’s festive spirit.
Envision Festival
Taking place in February on the Pacific coast, the Envision Festival is a unique blend of music, yoga, and environmental consciousness. The event celebrates sustainability and holistic living, offering workshops, art installations, and performances by international artists.
Limon Carnival
Held in October in the city of Limón, this Caribbean-style carnival is a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture. The streets come alive with parades, calypso music, and vibrant costumes. The festival honours the cultural diversity of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
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Unique and Regional Festivals
Costa Rica’s regional festivals highlight the country’s local traditions and offer a more intimate cultural experience.
Día de los Boyeros (Day of the Oxcart Drivers)
Celebrated in March in San Antonio de Escazú, this festival honours the traditional oxcart drivers who played a key role in Costa Rica’s agricultural history. The event includes a parade of beautifully decorated oxcarts, traditional music, and local food.
Puntarenas Carnival
This lively carnival takes place in February in the coastal town of Puntarenas. It features parades, live music, and food stalls showcasing Costa Rica’s delicious seafood. The event is a celebration of the Pacific coast’s maritime culture.
Coffee Fair
Costa Rica’s coffee-growing regions, such as Tarrazú and Alajuela, host coffee fairs to celebrate the country’s world-famous coffee industry. These fairs typically feature coffee tastings, cultural performances, and tours of coffee plantations.
Music Festivals in Costa Rica
Music is an integral part of Costa Rica’s culture, and the country hosts several music festivals that cater to various tastes.
Festival Imperial
Held periodically in San José, Festival Imperial is one of Costa Rica’s largest music festivals. It features international headliners and local artists performing across genres like rock, pop, and electronic music.
Jungle Jam
This music festival, held in Jacó on the Pacific coast, combines live music with beach vibes. It features reggae, rock, and jam bands, creating a laid-back atmosphere for music lovers.
Tamarindo Art Wave Festival
While not exclusively a music festival, this event in Tamarindo blends live music with art installations and performances. It showcases Costa Rica’s creative spirit and attracts both locals and international visitors.
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International Events
Costa Rica also hosts international events that draw visitors from around the world.
The Costa Rica International Film Festival, held annually in San José, celebrates local and international cinema with screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.
For sports enthusiasts, the IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Rica and other marathons and triathlons showcase the country’s stunning landscapes while attracting athletes worldwide.
Costa Rican Festivals as a Traveller
Costa Rica’s festivals and holidays offer unique opportunities for travellers to immerse themselves in the country’s culture.
Plan your visit around key events. For example, visit in September to experience Independence Day or in February for Envision Festival and Puntarenas Carnival.
Connect with locals to learn more about the traditions and etiquette of each festival. Joining in with respect and curiosity will help you form meaningful connections.
Book accommodations and transportation early, especially for major festivals like Palmares and Envision, as they attract large crowds and popular spots can fill up quickly.
Calendar of Costa Rican Holidays & Events
January: Palmares Festival.
February: Envision Festival, Puntarenas Carnival, Coffee Fair.
March: Día de los Boyeros.
April: Juan Santamaría Day.
July: Guanacaste Annexation Day.
September: Independence Day.
October: Limon Carnival.
December: Christmas and New Year.
FAQs About Costa Rican Festivals and Holidays
What is a famous festival in Costa Rica?
The Palmares Festival, held in January, is one of Costa Rica’s most famous festivals. It features parades, live music, carnival rides, and traditional foods, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike.
What are major events in Costa Rica?
Major events in Costa Rica include the Independence Day celebrations in September, the eco-conscious Envision Festival in February, and the vibrant Limón Carnival in October. These events highlight the country’s cultural and environmental values.
What is the most famous holiday in Costa Rica?
Independence Day on 15th September is the most famous holiday, celebrated with patriotic parades, traditional dances, and the Desfile de Faroles (lantern parade).
Is there partying in Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica has a lively party scene, especially during festivals like the Palmares Festival, Puntarenas Carnival, and New Year’s Eve. These events feature music, dancing, and street parties that last into the night.
Are Costa Rican festivals family-friendly?
Many festivals, such as Independence Day, Día de los Boyeros, and Juan Santamaría Day, are family-friendly and include parades, cultural events, and traditional food.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica for festivals?
The best time to visit is during January and February, which host events like the Palmares Festival, Envision Festival, and Puntarenas Carnival, or in September and October for Independence Day and Limón Carnival.
How can tourists participate in Costa Rican festivals?
Tourists are welcome to join festivals by attending public parades, concerts, and cultural events. It’s a great way to experience Costa Rican culture, but showing respect for local customs and traditions is important.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s holidays, events, and festivals reflect the country’s cultural richness, blending historical traditions with modern celebrations. From the patriotic parades of Independence Day to the vibrant energy of Envision Festival and Limon Carnival, these events offer travellers an unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica’s spirit. Plan your trip around these celebrations, immerse yourself in the festivities, and discover the vibrant culture that makes Costa Rica such a unique destination.