Costa Rica

These are some of San José’s most popular events, each one attracting large crowds. In fact, a lot of people show up early to sample the snacks and peruse the handicrafts offered by local vendors - cold drinks, beers, ice cream, bolis, potato chips, toasted plantains, confituras and handmade jewelry and clothing.

January

New Year's Day
- Zapote District of San José

On this national holiday, fireworks light up the capital city and street parties lure locals with music, dancing and food. Festivities are centered around downtown and in the Zapote district.

Copa del Cafe, (Coffee Cup)
-San José, First week in January or Middle of January

March

Bonanza Cattle Show
- Bonanza Fairgrounds, San José

This traditional show features rodeos, bullfights and horse races. Various exhibitions on cattle and livestock are featured.

Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver's Day)
-San Antonio de Escazú, near San José, Second Sunday of March.

Vibrantly painted oxcarts parade through San Antonio de Escazu. Local priests bless the animals and crops for the farming season.

National Orchid Show
-San José, Mid-March.

Costa Rica is home to more than 1,200 identified species of orchid. Featuring over 300 of these species, the weekend-long annual show attracts growers from all over the world. Contact the Costa Rican Tourist Board for location and dates.

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.

International Arts Festival
-Calle 21, Avenida 2, San José, second week of March

This arts festival takes place during the second week of March on even-numbered years. It showcases local and international theater, art and music.

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September

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.

October 

Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day)
- Paseo Colon, San José, October 12

On this day, Costa Rica, as well as much of Latin America, celebrates Columbus's discovery of the Americas as well as the Hispanic influences on culture.

November 

El Desfile de Carretas (The Parade of Carts): 

At the end of November, oxcart owners from all over Costa Rica travel to San José to take part in this parade.

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December 

Festival de la Luz (The Festival of Lights): 

The first week of December, locals gather after dark on the streets of San José to watch fireworks and listen to live music performed by local bands.

El Tope and Carnival
- San José, Dec. 26

The Tope Nacional is a Costa Rican tradition, and San Jose's parade of horses is the country's largest and most popular. With both horses and riders elaborately decorated, the parade moves along the Paseo Colon to Avenida 2. A lively celebration follows with music, food, costume contests and dancing.

Carnival
- San José, Dec 27

Downtown San Jose hosts of a huge parade with incredible music, dancing and floats.

Festejos Populares (Year-end Festivals)
- Zapote, San José, Dec 25-31 ( Last week of December )

Bullfights, carnival rides, games and local food vendors are located on the Zapote fairgrounds. Read more about Costa Rican bullfights.

 
Nationwide Christmas Celebrations

Costa Ricans begin Christmas celebrations in early December. This holiday is a family affair, with gift-giving and prayers at home. Families and local businesses put up Portales, or nativity scenes and traditional foods such as tamales and rompope (eggnog) are enjoyed. Learn more about Tico Christmas traditions 

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 Fiestas Patronales (Street Fairs)

Each province throughout the country also has its own Fiesta Patronales where locals come together to dance and celebrate and watch the bullfights. Each city celebrates on a different date:

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