Costa Rica Travel News – Located in Central America and surrounded by seas and amazing tropical landscape, Costa Rica has emerged as a much sought-after destination for nature lovers. While its biodiversity continues to be unmatched and the sheer natural beauty mesmerizes visitors, Costa Ricas’s true spirit lies in its numerous celebrations and festivities that take place round the year. The various annual events and festivities of Costa Rica serve as a major tourist attraction along with its vast range of flora and fauna.
Below listed are top 5 yearly events and festivals that Costa Ricans and tourists alike indulge in:
Festival de las Artes
The Festival of Arts offers you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica that has been imbued with elements taken from various cultures. This annual celebration lasts for a two week period. The event is replete with massive concerts, dance performances as well as art shows. Earlier, the event was held at San Jose. However, later its Ministry of Culture wanted to boost the appeal and range and so it is celebrated in various places of the country. It is held during end of March or first week of April. As it is, it offers residents and travelers a taste of modernity amidst the numerous traditional festivities. It is a big platform for Costa Rican artists to showcase their talent.
Semana Santa
Costa Ricans regard a religious event or festival in high esteem and nothing can be a better proof of this than Semana Santa. The Holy Week, celebrating demise and resurrection of Christ is celebrated by families with utmost devotion in the country. Those who do not take part in religious celebrations, opt for the beaches to spend some leisurely time. Processions are held in cities by Catholic churches.
Virgen de los Angeles Day
The celebration of patron saint of Costa Rica is performed every year on August 2nd. The Black Virgin statue, thought to be an incarnation of Virgin Mary was found in Cartago in early 17th Century. This statue is displayed in Cartago’s Nuestra Señora de los Angeles Basilica. Almost 2 million people head to the cathedral starting from San Jose area. In fact, religious minded people walk to Cartago from various parts of the country during this time. It is a time when the citizens take a break from their boisterous and colorful life for a while.
Fiestas Palmares
Even before Costa Ricans can recover fully from the mood of Xmas and New Year celebrations, preparations begin for another mass event in January. Fiestas Palmares is a large scale street festival that has assumed national importance and lasts for two weeks. A huge and lavishly organized horseback riding parade is a major component of this event. There is Toros a la Tica, the Costa Rican type bullfighting as well. Not much bloodshed and violence is involved in it as it is more comical in nature.
Carnavales de Limón
Possibly October is the most colorful and festive month in Costa Rica. The citizens prepare for heading to Puerto Limón for celebrating annual carnival. The city of Puerto Limón is adjacent to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The carnival covers 2 weekends. The events comprise of carnival queen election, food, dance and parade. The multicultural province of Limón bustles with activities during the celebration and participants brace the sun and monsoon with gusto.
Author Bio:
The writer Kevin is a travel lover from USA and likes to write articles on his travelling experiences. He is also a contributing writer of Thepassportoffice.com which is a passport expediting service that provides timely services to the American traveling public.
