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Holidays (feriados) are dear to the hearts of most Costa Ricans. Banks, post offices, museums and government offices close on most feriados. A word of caution- never try to travel during Semana Santa. No, that is not Santa Claus' birthday; it is Easter Week, a very special holiday in Latin America. Businesses will close their doors from Thursday through Easter Sunday. Even the public buses will run on unpredictable schedules during Semana Santa.
Christmas to New Years can also be a challenging time to travel in country. Hotels are booked months in advance and public transportation operates on a restricted schedule.
These are the principal holidays:
January 1:
Año Nuevo (New Year's Day). If you're in San Jose, you'll enjoy joining the big dance in Parque Central.
March 19:
Día de San Jose (St. Joseph's Day)
Miércoles de Ceniza (Ash Wednesday)
Celebrated nationwide by processions. In Guanacaste, processions include horse, cow and bull parades. In Liberia, you're invited to attend the Guanacaste bullfights (the bull is not harmed).
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Businesses will close the whole week before Easter weekend. Read more about local traditions during Semana Santa.
April 11:
Día de Juan Santamaria (National Hero's Day) celebrated with parades in Alajuela.
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May 1:
Día de los Trabajadores (Labor Day)
June 25:
Anexión de Guanacaste Commemorates Guanacaste's 1824 entrance into the Costa Rican union.
June 29:
Día de San Pedro y San Pablo (St. Peter and. Paul's Day)
August 2:
Día de la Virgen de Los Angeles (Virgin of Los Angeles Day) honoring St. Mary, Patron Saint of Costa Rica.
August 15:
Día de la Madre (Mother's day).
September 15:
Día de la Independencia (Independence Day). A nationwide celebration of independence from Spain in 1821; lots of parades and speeches.
October 5:
The Carnival in Limon
October 12:
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) Celebrates Columbus' discovery of the Americas.
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November 2:
All Soul's Day
Christmas week:
Costa Ricans celebrate the season with a week of fireworks, bullfights and fun fairs in San Jose. Read more about Christmas celebrations in Costa Rica.
December 25,Christmas Day:
This is a family-oriented holiday. Parents load up the kids for a trip to the beach. On Christmas Eve, families gather around the tree, waiting until midnight when Santa will arrive with their gifts.
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