¡Pura Fiesta! Guide to Costa Rica's Unforgettable Festivals

Costa Rica has a wide range of festivals all year long, each with its own distinct rituals, celebrations, and customs. 

1) THE PALMARES FIESTAS 

 

 

The palmares fiestas  

 

The palmares festival is a two-week-long celebration that takes place in Palmares, Costa Rica on every January. It is one of the largest and most popular festivals in the country, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The festival is well-known for its vibrant music, mouthwatering cuisine, and energetic atmosphere. Throughout the celebration, there are also a few customary events and activities, like horse parades, fireworks, and bullfighting.   

Here are a few of the Palmares Fiestas highlights: 

Tope: On the first day of the celebration, there is a customary horse procession called the Tope. The parade, which has thousands of riders from all across Costa Rica, is breathtaking to see.  

This event will show you a variety of breeds represented in the parade, including the powerful Paso Fino, renowned for its fluid four-beat gait, and the agile Criollos, admired for their stamina and versatility. Perhaps some stately Quarter Horses or graceful Peruvian Pasos that will catch your eyes. The riders display a variety of gaits and moves, dressing in their traditional "campesino" attire demonstrating their remarkable horsemanship. Some attempt daring antics like standing or dancing on their mounts, while others do "pasos sueltos," in which the horse's legs move autonomously. The parade is a celebration of the common heritage and identity of Costa Rica. Both riders and spectators alike come together to admire the elegance and dexterity of the exhibit.    

 

Bullfighting: In Costa Rica, bullfighting is a popular tradition. A few bullfighting events happen during the Palmares Fiestas. Though not for the timid, these festivities represent an intriguing aspect of Costa Rican society.   

 

Bullfighting at the palmares fiestas 

 

There are some differences between Costa Rican Bullfighting vs. Spanish Corrida. Bullfighting in Costa Rica is centered on "toreros" (performers) that wear colorful clothing taunting and dodging the bull inside a gated ring; unlike the Spanish corrida, which ends with the bull's death, this is a mostly non-violent spectacle, but injuries do occasionally happen. 

Music: Music is a big part of the Palmares Fiestas, and there are several concerts and other musical events that take place throughout the festival. The music is usually a mix of traditional Costa Rican music and popular international music. There are 2 examples of music that been played at the festival such as "Fiesta en Palmares" by Banda Chiquique. This upbeat brass track might also be the unofficial anthem of the festival. With its catchy lyrics celebrating the festivities and the spirit of Palmares, it's guaranteed to get the crowd singing and dancing along. Another song that has been played is "El Torito" by Grupo Malibú. This lively polka is a staple at Costa Rican celebrations, and it's particularly beloved at the Fiestas de Palmares. The infectious rhythm and festive horns have a way of getting even the most reluctant feet tapping 

2) THE FIESTAS DE LOS DIABLITOS 

 

The fiestas de los diablitos  

 

The fiestas de los diablitos (Festival of the Little Devils) is a traditional festival that takes place in two Indigenous communities in Costa Rica, Boruca and Rey Curré. In Boruca, the holiday is observed over three days, from December 31 to January 2, and in Rey Curré, it is observed over three days, from February 1 to 3. The festival honors the Indigenous people's 16th-century triumph over the Spanish conquistadors. The Indigenous people are the forces of good, and the "diablitos" (little devils) are the Spanish. The fight between the two forces is re-cast at the festival, with the Indigenous people coming out on top in the end. The festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration. The "diablitos" wear elaborate masks and costumes, and they dance and play music to the beat of drums and flutes. The festival is also a time for the Indigenous people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. 

Here are some of the highlights of the Fiestas de los Diablitos: 

The dance of the diablitos or the dance of little devil is the festival's principal event. 

 
The dance of the diablitos performance 

 

To the rhythm of flutes and drums, the diablitos perform song and dance. With their masks and costumes, they also aim to frighten away the audience. The dance itself is more than just a demonstration of movement; it's a symbolic conflict between the Spanish conquistadors and the Boruca people, represented by a costumed performer playing the "bull." 

The diablitos' ferocious stomping, jumping, and twirling symbolize the struggle for survival and ultimate victory of their ancestors. The energy and drive of the dance are greatly enhanced by the beat of the drums and flutes. The music is given a unique cultural flavor using traditional instruments like rattles and bamboo flutes. 

The burning of the diablo mayor: On the last night of the festival, the diablo mayor (the main devil) is burned in effigy, and this represents the final defeat of the Spanish. On the last night of the celebration, an effigy of the "diablo mayor" is set ablaze. The celebrations culminate in this burning. The Spanish colonists who dominated the area for centuries are represented by the "diablo mayor". The act of burning their effigy represents their last loss and banishing. This ceremony offers a means of venting the group's historical grievances, resentment, and rage toward Spanish colonial power. 

The traditional food: There are several traditional Indigenous foods that are served at the festival, such as tamales, tortillas, and chicha (a corn beer).    

Tamales are a corn masa pocket stuffed with different meats, veggies, and cheeses that are cooked inside banana leaves, tortillas are another common cuisine in Costa Rica is corn tortillas, which are the foundation of many different recipes. They can be eaten on their own, stuffed with cheese or meat, or used as a scoop for sauces and stews. While chica is a corn beer that served frequently at festivals and celebrations, this fermented corn beer is a traditional beverage in Costa Rica. Chicha tastes slightly sour and sweet, and it may be good for your health. 

The Fiestas de los Diablitos is a unique and important festival that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Indigenous people of Costa Rica. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Costa Rican culture. 

 

3) THE FESTIVAL DE LA LUZ 

 

The festival de la luz 

The festival de la Luz known as Festival of Light is an annual Christmas celebration that takes place in San José, Costa Rica. The festival is held on the second Saturday of December, and it features a parade of floats and bands, as well as fireworks displays. The festival began in 1996 to promote tourism and celebrate the Christmas season. It has since become one of the most popular events in Costa Rica, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country. 

The parade is the highlight of the festival. The floats are elaborately decorated with lights and other decorations, and they often feature themes related to Christmas or Costa Rican culture. The bands that participate in the parade play a variety of music, including traditional Costa Rican music, as well as popular international music. The fireworks displays are another popular attraction. The displays are usually held at the end of the parade, and they are a spectacular sight to see. 

Here are some of the highlights of the festival de la Luz: 

The parade: The parade is the main event of the festival. It features floats, bands, and other performers. This is the main event at the festival. Dazzling lights and Christmas decorations surround the floats, which include a variety of themes like fairytales and well-known Costa Rican characters. 

The firework displays: the Festival of Lights' grand finale, which dazzled everyone with its brilliant bolts of color and painted the night sky in wonder.  

 

The breath-taking fiestas de la luz fireworks 
 

The fireworks aren’t just a random burst of color, but it was choreographed the symphones of light at the perfect time to the rhythm of the closing music. Even after the last spark fades, the echoes of the fireworks linger in the air. 

The food: The Festival de la Luz is not only a visual extravaganza but also a mouthwatering culinary delight. Every taste is catered to as the streets surrounding the parade route come to life with colorful food sellers and kiosks. 

There are also a traditional costa rican food such as Olores, a filling stew of pork, veggies, and rice that is flavored with warm spices like oregano and cilantro. They also have an international famous flavours such as tacos, burritos and sushi.