Best Events in Costa Rica

Planning Your Trip Around an Event

• Confirming Dates: Event dates, especially for local fiestas, can be fluid. We recommend checking local news sites or the official Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) website closer to your travel dates.
• Booking in Advance: For major national events like Semana Santa or the Limón Carnival, it is critical to book accommodation and transportation months in advance as availability will be extremely limited.
• Getting There: For events in smaller towns (e.g., Palmares, Escazú), be prepared for heavy traffic. Consider using public buses or organized shuttles instead of driving.

Major Cultural & Indigenous Festivals

Fiesta de los Diablitos (Festival of the Little Devils)

What It Is: A multi-day, historic reenactment by the indigenous Boruca people, symbolizing their resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. The Borucas, wearing intricate hand-carved devil masks, ritually “defeat” a man in a bull costume representing the Spanish.

When & Where: Late December/early January in the village of Boruca; a second, similar festival happens in early February in the nearby village of Rey Curré.

What to Expect: A truly authentic, non-touristy cultural immersion. This is not a performance for tourists, but a deeply significant community ritual.

Traveler Tip: We encourage visitors to approach this event as respectful observers of a living tradition. Reaching these remote villages requires a 4×4 vehicle and a spirit of adventure, but the reward is immense. It also presents a unique opportunity to support the community by purchasing authentic Boruca masks directly from the artisans who carve them.

Día de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver’s Day)

What It Is: A UNESCO-recognized celebration of Costa Rica’s traditional “boyero” (oxcart driver) culture and their iconic, brightly painted oxcarts.

When & Where: The second Sunday of March in San Antonio de Escazú, a town just outside San José.

What to Expect: A vibrant and colorful parade featuring hundreds of ornate, hand-painted oxcarts pulled by teams of oxen. There is traditional music, food, and a blessing of the animals.

Traveler Tip: This makes for a fantastic, family-friendly day trip from San José. It is a perfect occasion for photography and offers a genuine glimpse into Costa Rica’s “campesino” (rural) heritage.

Limón Carnival & Día de las Culturas

What It Is: A week-long, high-energy carnival celebrating Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean culture. It coincides with Día de las Culturas (Cultures Day), the national holiday on October 12th.

When & Where: The week surrounding October 12th, centered in the Caribbean port city of Limón.

What to Expect: A classic Caribbean carnival atmosphere. Expect street parades with dazzling costumes, energetic Calypso and reggae music, dancing, and stalls selling spicy Caribbean food like rice and beans with coconut milk.

Traveler Tip: The grand parade is the undeniable highlight of the week. We advise booking accommodation in the Limón, Cahuita, or Puerto Viejo area far in advance, as the entire region reaches capacity for this celebration.

National Holidays & Fiestas

Fiestas de Palmares

What It Is: Costa Rica’s largest and most famous “fiesta.” It is a two-week-long county fair, concert series, and national party rolled into one.

When & Where: The first two full weeks of January in the town of Palmares, located in the Central Valley.

What to Expect: A massive “tope” (horse parade), concerts with major Latin American artists, carnival rides, endless food and drink stalls, and Costa Rican-style bullfights where the bull is not harmed.

Traveler Tip: This is a loud, crowded, and boisterous event particularly popular with young Ticos. For a more family-friendly experience, we suggest visiting during the day. As with any large gathering, please be mindful of your personal belongings.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

What It Is: The most important religious holiday in the country, observing the week leading up to Easter.

When & Where: Nationwide.