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Special Events
Santa Cruz Festivals, Fiestas de Santa Cruz
-Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, week of January 15
This religious festival features folk dancing, marimba music, and bullfights.
Fiesta of the Diablitos
-Rey Curré village near San Isidro de El General, late February
This fiesta involves a traditional Borucan Indian dance representative of
the Spanish conquest of Central America. Firework displays and an
Indian handicrafts market are both features of this unusual celebration.
Puntarenas Carnival
-Puntarenas, last week of February
Vibrant music, dancing, art and cultural exhibitions are part of this week-long party in the streets of Puntarenas.
Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver's Day)
-San Antonio de Escazú, Second Sunday of March.
Vibrantly painted oxcarts parade through San Antonio de Escazú. Local priests bless the animals and crops for the farming season.
Saint Joseph's (San José) Day
-Nationwide, March 19
Religious celebration in all the neighborhoods with that name, with fairs and masses. The fiestas feature local food, rides, topes and Tico-style bullfights.
Juan Santamaría Day
-Nationwide, April 11
Costa Ricans commemorate the death of their national hero, Juan Santamaria, who heroically died in a battle against William Walker's troops in 1856. The weeklong celebrations include parades, concerts, typical food and dancing.
San Juan Day, Carrera de San Juan
-Cross-country Marathon, May 17
The biggest marathon of year, with runners covering a grueling course, from the outskirts of Cartago to San José.
Virgin of The Sea
-Puntarenas, Saturday closest to July 16
This tradition features a colorful fishing-boat regatta where fishermen honor the Virgin in hopes of another safe year at sea. Tasty regional delicacies, dancing and a parade are also part of this celebration.
Costa Rica's Independence Day
(also celebrated by most of Central America), Sept. 15
Costa Rica's Independence Day, celebrated all over the country. Parades and lantern making are most notable activities
Festival de la Luz (The Festival of Lights)
-San José, first week of December
Locals gather after dark on the streets of San Jose to watch fireworks and listen to live music performed by local bands.
