Costa Rica

Holidays and Festivals

Holidays (feriados) are dear to the hearts of most Costa Ricans. Traditional holiday celebrations offer visitors insight into the culture and beliefs of Costa Ricans. Ticos are renowned for their gregarious nature which is quite apparent during the numerous fiestas, horse parades and carnivals celebrated throughout the country.

December is the most festive month of the year as Ticos look forward to eating traditional foods, meeting up with friends and family and, of course, “mucha fiesta”! Learn more about Tico Christmas traditions

January 1:

Año Nuevo (New Year's Day). If you're in San José, you'll enjoy joining the big dance in Parque Central.

Palmares, a small town between Alajuela and San Ramon, is known for hosting the best fiestas and horse parade in the country during the second half of January. Bullfights, concerts, fireworks, food and sports activities are all part of the fun. Read more about the Palmares Fiestas

March 19:

Dia 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 Guanacastecan bullfights (animal lovers relax; the bull is not harmed).

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Businesses will close the whole week before Easter weekend.

April 11:

Dia de Juan Santamaria (National Hero's Day) celebrated with parades in Alajuela.

May 1:

Dia de los Trabajadores (Labor Day)

June 25:

Anexión de Guanacaste Commemorates Guanacaste's 1824 entrance into the Costa Rican union.

June 29:

Dia de San Pedro y San Pablo (St. Peter and. Paul's Day)

August 2:

Dia de la Virgen de Los Angeles (Virgin of Los Angeles Day) honoring St. Mary, Patron Saint of Costa Rica.

August 15:

Dia de la Madre (Mother's day).

September 15:

Dia 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:

Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) Celebrates Columbus' discovery of the Americas.

November 2:

All Soul's Day

Christmas Week:

Costa Ricans celebrate the season with a week of fireworks, bullfights and funfairs in San José. There is a large consumption of apples and grapes during the holiday times. Learn more about Tico Christmas traditions.

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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