Masquerade Day
When: October 31 (all day event)
Where: Nationwide
Overview
Costa Rica inaugurated October 31 as the National Day of the Costa Rican Masquerade (el Dia de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense). The country's traditional parades, which feature larger-than-life masked figures, usually on stilts, are a long-held Costa Rican custom – and one that was in danger of dying out. Over the last 15 years, mascaradas have seen a resurgence in popularity, and many towns throughout the country will celebrate October 31 as a hybrid blend of Costa Rican tradition and North American Halloween.