Costa Rica Events & Celebrations

Costa Rica’s natural beauty and ‘pura vida’ lifestyle make it the perfect escape for holiday goers looking for a change. Beyond the white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters, lush rainforests, and luxurious resorts that await you is the rich and vibrant Costa Rican culture. What better way to experience it than to be a part of the region’s celebrations? Here are the top annual celebrations in Costa Rica you should not miss.

Calendar of Costa Rica’s Top Annual Events

Celebrations in Costa Rica – Everything You Need to Know

Costa Rica Events in January

Palmares Festival, Palmares

This is one of Costa Rica’s biggest celebrations. Spread out over two weeks, the festival features concerts, parades, bullfights, and carnival rides. It’s very popular among locals and tourists.

Fiestas de Santa Cruz, Guanacaste

If you’re into cowboys, this is an event you should not miss. Rodeos, folk dances, and traditional music highlight Guanacaste’s cowboy heritage.

Costa Rica Events in February

Envision Festival, Uvita

This world-famous eco-conscious festival blends music, yoga, dance, and art in a beach-jungle setting. It’s a major draw for global travelers who are looking for spiritual experiences with a community focus.

Oxcart Parade, San Antonio de Escazú

A colorful display of Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts. This unique festival honors the role of the humble oxcart in the region’s agricultural and economic development.

Costa Rica Events in March

International Arts Festival, San José

A celebration of art and culture, this International Arts Festival has been a platform for artistic expression since the 1980s. You can look forward to music, dance, and theater at this event.

National Orchid Show, San José & Cartago

Enjoy exhibits of Costa Rica’s stunning orchids in a family-friendly atmosphere that provides the perfect backdrop to those who love nature photography.

Costa Rica Events in April

Semana Santa

This festival marks the Holy Week and is observed nationwide. Processions, church ceremonies, and family gatherings are the highlights of this season. For those looking for a cultural experience, this is a must.

Liberia White City Festival, Guanacaste

Music, dancing, and traditional bullfights celebrate Liberia’s culture. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic experience and a taste of local merriment.

Costa Rica Events in May

Día de San Isidro Labrador

Celebrated nation-wide in all the farming towns, this festival honors the patron saint of farmers. Parades of ox-carts and blessings of crops are highlights. If you want a rural experience, this is a good start.

Costa Rica Events in June

Día de San Pedro y San Pablo

This is a religious festival that offers insight into Costa Rica’s Catholic traditions. Religious processions and cultural activities take place during this time.

Costa Rica Events in July

Annexation of Guanacaste Day

Celebrated nationwide on July 25th, it marks the anniversary of Guanacaste joining Costa Rica. Folk dances, rodeos, parades, and fireworks are the highlights of this day.

Virgin of the Sea Festival, Puntarenas

This coastal festival is celebrated by decorating fishing boats, which then carry a statue of ‘Virgen del Carmen’, the patron saint of Puntarenas and the fishermen, out to sea. It’s a favorite among beachgoers and cultural travelers who get to witness the entire coast come alive.

Costa Rica Events in August

Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles, Cartago

The largest religious event in Costa Rica, with thousands of pilgrims walking to the Basilica to honor Costa Rica’s patron saint – ‘La Negrita’.

Mother’s Day

Observed nationwide on August 15th, Mother’s Day in Costa Rica is a national holiday marked by family gatherings and events.

Costa Rica Events in September

Lantern Day

Children participate in a unique parade where they carry lanterns (often handmade) that symbolize the flame of freedom that was carried on the night of September 14th, 1821, as messengers spread the news of the declaration of Independence from Spain.

Independence Day

Celebrated nationwide on September 15th, colorful parades, children’s lantern processions, music, and dancing are the highlights. It is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse into Costa Rican history, culture and national pride.

Costa Rica Events in October

Limón Carnival, Limón

This week-long festival celebrates the region’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Parades, calypso music, and Afro-Caribbean food are the highlights. It is a big hit among tourists looking for a unique cultural experience.

Costa Rica Events in November

Coffee Harvest Festivals

If you are a coffee lover, do not miss visiting the central valley and coffee regions this time of year. You can find many small-scale local celebrations with tastings, dances, and cultural events to mark the start of the harvest season.

Costa Rica Events in December

Festival de la Luz, San José

Celebrated to mark the beginning of the Christmas and New Year season, this festival includes a massive parade with illuminated floats, fireworks, and concerts.

Zapote Festival, San José

This traditional year-end fair is celebrated with bullfights, carnival rides, and street food. It’s fun for tourists who want a lively cultural experience.

Tope Nacional de Caballos, San José

This spectacular horse parade features decorated riders and horses. It is one of the country’s most famous year-end traditions, drawing many spectators.

Frequently Asked Questions