Costa Rica Events and Festivals
January
 Palmares Civic Fiestas
Held in the first two weeks of the month, this annual festival with religious origins sees carnivals, folk dancing, live music and bullfighting.
Alajuelita Fiestas
An ox-cart parade through the streets of Alajuelita's pays tribute to the Black Christ of Esquipulas.
 Santa Cruz Fiestas
Marimbas, folk dancing, bullfighting and general festivities are on the agenda for a festival that also honours the Black Christ of Esquipulas.
February
Fiesta of the Diablitos
Held in late February in the Indian Village of Rey Curre, this annual event sees locals staging a recreation of the battles once seen between the country’s indigenous tribes and the Spanish. Costa Rican’s dress up in wooden masks and colourful costumes and enjoying dancing and firework displays.
CENAC Summer Festival
The National Cultural Centre in San José is the venue for a festival comprising theatrical shows, concerts, dance performances and movie screenings.
March
San José Day
Otherwise known as Saint Joseph's day, this is a religious festival celebrated in all of the neighbourhoods in the country that have Joseph in their name.
National Orchid Show
Held in San José, this show sees over 1,500 species of orchids showcased with species from Costa Rica and other countries also.
April
 Holy Week
In cities across the country, people take to the streets for large scale street processions in which the crucifixion of Christ is re-enacted. San José sees the biggest proceedings with most shops and services shutting down in order to participate.
Juan Santamaría Day
Festivities are held in commemoration of the country’s national hero, who died whilst fighting against the troops of William Walker in 1856. A week of celebrations sees parades, concerts, marching bands, dancing and much more.
May
 Corpus Christi Day
Both a religious celebration and a national holiday; Costa Rica celebrates with nationwide festivities.
June
 Saints Peter & Paul Day
A religious celebration in which towns with either Peter or Paul in the name celebrate with street based festivities.
July
 Virgin of the Sea
Held in Puntatenas, this festival is to pay tribute to the city’s official guardian, the Virgin of Mt Carmel. Yachts from the Gulf of Nicoya amass to take part in a colourful regatta while on land there are mass services, parades, dancing, sporting events and a firework display.
Annexation of Guanacaste
An annual event held in celebration of the year 1824 when the city of Guanacaste opted to become part of Costa Rica as opposed to Nicaragua. A fiesta takes place with parades, folk dancing, bullfighting, cattle shows and concerts.
August
San Ramon Day
Held in the town of San Ramon, this religious festival is held in tribute to the patron saint after which the town is named. The locals take to the streets for parades and general revelry.
September
October
Virgen del Pilar's Day
The town of Tres Rios pays tribute to its religious guardian with parades in which participants wear costumes made entirely of corn husks, grain, and silks.
November
 All Souls day
On this holy day, families take the opportunity to remember their deceased by visiting graves and laying flowers upon them. It’s a sombre affair and far from being a festival or celebration.
December
 Fiesta de los Negritos
In the Indian village of Boruca, locals conduct a mixture of ancient Indian rituals with traditional Catholic ones to pay tribute to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
 Festejos Populares
In late December, the city of San José sees its regular fairground converted into a full scale amusement park where locals and visitors gather to enjoy rides, bullfighting, fireworks and festive food.
 Christmas Celebrations
Festivities kick off mid month as businesses set up nativity scenes in a bid to win the award for best in their area. Carol singers take to the streets in the run up to the 25th and are welcomed into the homes of locals. On the 24th of the month, churches celebrate the Mass of the Rooster or Misa de Gallo as it is locally known.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day: 1st January
St. Joseph’s Day: 19th March
Juan Santamaria Day: 11th April
Labour Day: 1st May
Corpus Christi: June (dates vary)
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day: 29th June
Guanacaste Day: 25th July
Virgin de los Angeles Day: 2nd August
Mother’s Day and Assumption Day: 15th August
Independence Day: 15th September
Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day): 12th October
All Soul’s Day: 2nd November
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: 8th November
Christmas Day: 25th December
Easter: Dates vary
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