Costa Rica festivals and fall fiestas can be colorful fun or an unexpected annoyance that makes it hard to book hotel reservations or find quiet places to eat. In order to design the Costa Rica vacation of your dreams, make sure to factor in the following Costa festivals held every August through October.
As always, check with your travel agent or the Costa Rica national travel website for any questions about specific dates and events:
Costa Rica Festivals in August
The Fiesta of the Virgin of Los Angeles celebrates the patron saint of Costa Rica. Many Costa Ricans and visitors to Costa Rica walk the fifteen miles from the capital city of San Juan to the basilica in Cartago to mark the day. Depending on your inclination, this fiesta can be moving and memorable, or an obstacle that takes both Cartago and San Juan off a carefully planned itinerary.
Dia de San Ramon honors a variety of favorite saints from towns all over Costa Rica during a festival held annually on August 31. Statues of the saints are paraded through the streets of San Ramon as part of a lively fiesta that provides lots of great photo opportunities if you want to be included.
Costa Rica Festivals in September
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is celebrated all over this lush Central American nation every September 15th. Most memorable among the many special events are nighttime parades of children in city after city. You won’t want to miss this Costa Rica festival, and that’s good because if you are in Costa Rica on September 15th you won’t be able to miss it.
International Beach Clean Up Day is held the third Saturday in September, and provides locals and travelers alike to pitch in and tidy up their favorite beach. Participating in the annual clean up good way to make new friends and connect with the landscape on a deep and much appreciated level.
Costa Rica Festivals in October
Limon Carnival, also known as Dia de la Raza, resembles a smaller version of the United States festival of Mardi Gras. Dia de la Raza is held every year during the second or third week of September in Limon, Costa Rica. This Costa Rica festival celebrates Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the country, and includes parades, colorful floats, and dancing in the streets.
Fiesta del Maiz in Upala, Costa Rica, held every October 12, celebrates corn. A local beauty pageant marks the highlight of the festival, and beauty queens decked out in dresses made from corn plants create a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Make reservations well ahead of time if you plan to join in on Upala’s corn festival and don’t forget your camera.
Related links:
Costa Rica Festivals January Through March
Discover the culture of Costa Rica
Return from Costa Rica Festivals August Through October to
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