Costa Rica festivals are celebrated year after year, all year, and knowing where these festivals are and what they are about can help visitors plan an itinerary that meets their needs. Party loving people will want to make sure to catch any Costa Rica festival that happens during their stay. Budget minded travelers might want to avoid cities heavily involved in Costa Rica festivals in order to get the lowest prices on rooms and board.
The following Costa Rica Festivals are on the calendar from January through March every year. Some are more like celebrated annual events than festivals, but all are worth inclusion.
More information for specific dates of these events a and festivals can be found by visiting the Costa Rica Tourist Board’s website www.visitcostarica.com, or by calling the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 1-800-343-6332.
January Costa Rica Festivals
Copa Del Café (Coffee Cup) is an international junior tennis match that takes place at the San Jose Costa Rica Country Club the first week of January every year. Expect more crowded conditions in San Jose generally and book rooms well in advance. Tennis fans can get information about dates and ticket prices for this January Costa Rica festival by calling the country club directly at 228-9333. Or, simply ask your local travel agent for help.
Fiesta of Palmares is a Costa Rica festival celebrated the first two weeks of January in Palmares Costa Rica. This largest and most heavily attended of the Costa Rica festivals includes bullfights, concerts, carnival rides, traditional food booths and crafts, and a horseback parade.
The Fiesta of Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste honors the Black Christ of Esquipulas, a famous Guatemalan religious statue. This colorful Costa Rica festival features marimba music, folk dancing, and bullfights, and is held the middle two weeks in January.
February Costa Rica Festival
The Fiesta of the Diablitos is held in late February in the Rey Curre village near San Isidro de El General. During this Costa Rica Festival, Boruca Indians wear wooden Devil and bull masks and perform dances that reenact the Spanish conquest of South America. Fireworks and an Indian handicrafts market attract both locals and international visitors to the small town.
March Costa Rica Festivals
Dia del Boyero, also known as Oxcart Driver’s Day, is held the second Sunday in March in San Antonio de Escazu, San Jose. San Jose priests bless the oxen and oxcarts in bright color and designs parade through the streets of this San Jose suburb. If you plan to attend, make sure to bring a camera.
The National Orchid Show is held mid-March every year in the capital city of San Jose, and is more than worth a visit. Orchid growers from all over the world gather to display their rare and beautiful projects, share orchid growing tips, and admire the hundreds of other species on display. Contact the Costa Rican Tourist Board well in advance for dates, ticket prices, and accommodation suggestions.
Related links:
Costa Rica Tourist Attractions
Interesting Places: Costa Rica Tourist Spots
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