Discovering Costa Rica

Page 38

Currently, comedic performances that poke fun at current events are a national favorite.

English-language Theater is also growing in popularity, including in the National Theater with

Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and “King Lear.”

Music

Music is such an integral part of the Latin American culture, with Costa Rica as no exception.

With a history of Spanish and European rhythms dated back to the colonial times, Spanish

beats harmonized with tempos to create folkloric music unique to Costa Rica.

Today, Costa Ricans enjoy Latin, American, and British contemporary rock. Although, when it

comes to dancing, Costa Ricans prefer traditional Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia,

and bolero. Music is everywhere in this country, from the streets and homes to restaurants, bars

and discos.

Events

Costa Ricans love to celebrate, with good food, friends, and traditions. Some of the most

popular recurring events include:

Palmares Fiestas:

These two weeks of concerts, bullfighting, and folklore dancing

brings everyone together at the start of the new year

San Isidro del General Fiestas:

The first week of February is known for the agricultural

fair with flower shows, bullfighting, and traditional livestock competition

CENAC Summer Festival (FIA):

This summer festival is full of storytelling, theater,

movies, and other entertainment at the National Cultural Center in San José

Holy Week:

Holy week is taken very seriously, but not necessarily religiously. Costa

Ricans often take this week to travel, and others use this time to celebrate with religious

parades through the streets, one week before Easter

Juan Santamaria Day:

Juan Santamaria, who helped Costa Rica defeat William

Walker, is celebrated in Alajuela with parades, music, and dancing to honor this national

hero

Independence Day:

Is celebrated throughout the country, with parades and music.

Dia de la Raza:

This celebration commemorates Columbus’ discovery of the New World

and many cultural influences that formed Latin America

Festival de las Luces:

Fireworks and live concerts light up San José as it starts its

month-long celebration of Christmas

El Tope Nacional:

This annual national horse parade strolls through the center of San

José where animals perform their tricks

Zapote Fiestas:

The Zapote fairgrounds in San José transform from farmland into a

party open to everyone. This festival offers amusement park rides, fair and street food,

inflatable megabars, bullfighting, and libations