When it comes to celebrating the holidays, Ticos know how to throw a party! Fortunately for tourists visiting this tropical paradise, there are plenty of opportunities to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a traditional Tico holiday throughout the year.
Some of travelers' favorite holidays, such as Christmas and New Year, are celebrated in Costa Rica, often featuring colorful parades, authentic Tico music and plenty of food and drink. In addition to these familiar celebrations, Costa Rica has many festivals and gatherings that coincide with important events in the country's history, such as the San Isidro del General Fiestas, which is held in February, and Juan Santamaria Day, which takes place in April.
During such times of celebration, reuniting with family members is very important to Costa Ricans. Families with often prepare large feasts together, especially during religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas. In some families, meals are prepared according to recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next, making this aspect of Costa Rican holiday celebrations particularly important.
With so many ways to celebrate the culture, history and traditions of this beautiful country, visitors taking a vacation in Costa Rica can get in on the action and enjoy a uniquely Central American holiday season!
- Javi the Frog
Looking for gorgeous sun, smooth sand and lots of fun? You must visit Costa Rica during Spring Break 2020. Whether you want to experience a beachside party in the twilight or enjoy a more adventurous experience – like
ziplining through the forest – I’ll be happy to show you around...
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When you live in paradise, you have beauty surrounding you every day. Even so, vacations are still in order for the holidays, especially in December...
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Topping the list of my favorite holidays, Semana Santa is a celebration during the last week of Lent leading up to Easter.
Parades, processions, the best food and mini-festivals fill the streets, and for Costa Ricans, Catholic traditions run deep. Without a doubt, Semana Santa, literally meaning "Holy Week," is one of the most important holidays of the year. Ticos embrace a week off of work, spending downtime with family and friends...
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There is nothing I love more than a holiday, especially a holiday that brings the people of my home together in celebration. Not many celebrations in Costa Rica are bigger than the national holiday on August 2nd, which celebrates my country’s patron saint, Virgen de los Angeles...
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There are many ways for people to kick off the new year, but there aren’t many ways that compare to how Ticos kick off the new year. Fresh off the festive feeling of the holidays, residents of
Alajuela throw one of the country’s biggest – and most anticipated – parties of the year. This traditional Costa Rican celebration, Fiestas del Palmares, takes place in
Palmares, which is a small coffee town with a big heart...
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It was the year 1821 and Central America had declared its independence from Spain, leaving several of the colonies in conflict. They weren’t sure how to govern themselves effectively with their newfound independence.
Nicoya citizens found themselves identifying more and more with Costa Rica over Guatemala or Nicaragua...
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Whether you are traveling to Costa Rica for the first time ever (congrats!) or heading back, or maybe even just researching your first trip, it helps to know when the local vacation times are for the country...
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In a splendid tradition,
Costa Rica celebrates bull fighting as "Toros a la Tica". To be honest, I'm scared of bulls. I can match up against bull frogs, but the giant beasts with horns could crush me like a bug - or an amphibian! However, humans find great fascination in everything in and around the arena. Lucky for them, Costa Rica packs a awe-inspiring bullfighting - a tradition that few visitors realize this country has...
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Easter week in Costa Rica is one of the most important times for native Ticos, and nearly the entire country shuts down for a week! You know me, I love being in the rainforest, but during Easter Week, or Semana Santa, I always make my way to Cartago. The city has the biggest celebration in the country. It's a unique time in Costa Rica because deep-rooted traditions are alive and well. Until a few years ago, there was no vehicle traffic allowed on the streets, and although that isn't a strict law anymore, public transportation doesn't run and most people take this vacation to relax. If you're visiting Costa Rica during Semana Santa, the beaches will be jam-packed with Ticos. An estimated 1.5 million Costa Ricans visit the coast! I was lucky enough to spend Semana Santa last year with a family, so I've got the inside scoop on all the great traditions, foods and celebrations of this week-long holiday...
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